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In January 1999, after six hard years of campaigning
and fund raising by ten local residents, Morts Astley
Heritage Trust was formed. Funding was aggredd by the
Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development
Fund (Rechar II) to purchase and refurbish the former
Astley hospital administration building known as Dam House
(a grade II listed building), the villa and 17 acres of
surrounding woodlands (designated a site of scientific
and biological importance) containing a pond.
Morts Astley Heritage Trust's aim was to preserve the
listed building, create a community/health facility for
the people of Astley and to open the surrounding ancient
woodland for the public.
The Trusts mission was in keeping with the buildings
past benefactor resident Adam Mort who came to Astley
from Bolton in 1606. Among many gestures to the local
community he established a schoolhouse and a chapel (St
Stephens).
The present building has been dated by the Greater Manchester
Archaeological Unit back to 1595 and was extended in 1650
by Adams grandson, also named Adam, leaving the substantial
frontage seen today.
The building was sold to the Leigh Hospital board in
1893 and used as an isolation hospital and in 1948 a general
hospital was created, closing in 1994. The threat of extensive
development and restricted access to the site led to the
formation of Morts Astley Heritage Group culminating in
their successful bid for alternative development of the
site.
The main facilities on site are :
 The Heritage Tearooms
Conference and Community
Room
Office Accommodation
Administration
The Conserved Ancient
Woodland
A Nursery
Astley Clinic
Primary Care Group
The top floor of Dam House with its spectacular exposed
timber roof structure will, subject to funding, be available
for viewing in the future. This will be after conservation
studies and technical alterations and adaptations have
been undertaken.
The MAHT web site will expand along with the sites facilities.
Contact the trust for the latest update on 01942 876417
or e-mail: info@damhouse.org |
