Astley Vicarage
| Astley Vicarage | |
|---|---|
 Astley Vicarage in 2014 | |
  Location within Greater Manchester | |
| Former names | The Parsonage The Vicarage |
| Alternative names | The Old Vicarage |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Location | Church Rd, Astley, Greater Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53°30′11″N 2°27′14″W / 53.50295°N 2.45399°W |
| Year built | 1704 |
| Renovated | 20th century (roof) |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
| Official name | Astley Vicarage |
| Designated | 18 July 1966 |
| Reference no. | 1356223 |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Pair of gate piers at Astley Vicarage |
| Designated | 18 July 1966 |
| Reference no. | 1068486 |
Astley Vicarage (also known as The Old Vicarage) is a Grade II* listed former parsonage building on Church Road in Astley, a village within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Historically in Lancashire, it is one of the most significant properties in the Astley conservation area, noted for its early classical architectural style and strong historical associations with the local parish. The building was sold by the Church Commissioners in the 1990s and is now a private residence.
History
[edit]The vicarage was constructed in 1704 as a parsonage for clergy serving the Astley area.[1] Its origins are linked to Adam Mort, a Puritan philanthropist who endowed land for a church and parsonage in the early 17th century to improve religious provision in what was then a remote rural community.[2] Initially referred to as "The Parsonage," the building became known as "The Vicarage" when Astley was established as a parish in 1867. For nearly three centuries, it served as the residence for successive vicars of St Stephen's Church.[3]
On 18 July 1966, Astley Vicarage was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance.[1]
In the 1990s, the Church Commissioners sold the property, and it has since been a private residence, often called "The Old Vicarage."[3]
The building is a key component of the Astley village conservation area, designated in 1989 to protect the historic character of the settlement.[4] Today, Astley Vicarage remains a private residence and a landmark of local heritage.
Architecture
[edit]Astley Vicarage is an early example of domestic classicism in England.[4] Built in English garden wall bond brick,[5] the structure follows a double-depth central-staircase plan and rises three storeys in height across five bays.[6] The symmetrical front elevation features twin gables and a central four-panel door framed by an eared and pedimented doorcase with an overlight. Windows include flush sashes on the ground floor, cross casements on the first floor, and two-pane casements on the second, all beneath flat brick arches. Decorative elements include round windows in the gables and an ornate rainwater head.[1] The roof was replaced with 20th-century tiles.[6]
The side elevations display similar gables, projecting chimney stacks with tall paired shafts, and mullioned windows, while the rear incorporates a two-storey lean-to extension.[6] Internally, the building retains original features such as ovolo-moulded floor beams, a dog-leg staircase with a deep handrail, closed string, bulbous turned balusters, and square newels with decorative clips. Original panelled and boarded doors survive throughout, contributing to its historic character.[1]
Gate piers
[edit]The pair of gate piers at Astley Vicarage are separately designated as a Grade II listed structure. Dating from the 18th century, they are constructed in stone and form part of the historic entrance to the vicarage grounds.[4] The timber gate is a replacement.[7]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Historic England. "Astley Vicarage (Grade II*) (1356223)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "The Parish of Astley in the County of Lancashire | Astley". Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerks. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ a b Kinsella, Neil (27 May 2019). "Astley Old Vicarage – A Venerable Old House with a Friendly Ghost". An Artful Gardener. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ a b c Astley Village, Tyldesley | Conservation Area Appraisal (PDF) (Report). Wigan Council. April 2011. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "Astley Vicarage". Wigan Buildings. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ a b c "Astley Vicarage". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ Historic England. "Pair of gate piers at Astley Vicarage (Grade II) (1068486)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
.jpg)
