News and Events

Briars Hey is an attractive Grade II listed building completed in 1868 by architect William Hayward Brakspear for alkali and glass manufacturer John Crossley.  Following its original use as a home for the Crossley family, the main house and estate was acquired in 1938 by the religious order of The Sisters of The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, becoming the St Joseph's Convent, a children’s convalescent home.  In 1970 it was purchased by Lancashire County Council for use as a children's home.This is a unique opportunity to take a guided tour around the historical house that is not open to the public and to view a photo exhibition of images from the past.
 
Briars Hey has retained many of its original features including six-panel doors with arched mouldings to the upper panels, deep skirting, moulded architraves, half-glazed cabinets in the former library and fine patterned encaustic floor surfaces.  Visitors can take a tour of the landscaped grounds of the estate, take a trip to the attic and have access to the observatory tower for panoramic and breath-taking views of St Helens and the Welsh mountains on a clear day or take a look in the cellar, a former dry food store.  Tours of the house take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm and are pre bookable by contacting Helen Chan on 0151 426 9808 or helen.chan@raphaelhealthcare.org.uk
 
Arthur Robinson, Raphael Healthcare’s Chief Executive said, “This is the first time Briars Hey will open to the public.  We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the historical house to learn about its historical past as well as view some of its original architectural features.”

Heritage Open Days activities will take place all over England from 8-11 September 2011 as part of European Heritage Days in which 50 countries participate.  Over 1 million visitors up and down the country are expected to take advantage of the four-day event, exploring more than 4,000 buildings and events, ranging from private homes, castles, factories, churches, mosques and temples, historic gardens and parks as well as contemporary design classics.
 
Baroness Andrews, Chairman of English Heritage, said: “Heritage Open Days is about people and places.  It is a celebration of our communities and the importance of the built environment to our lives.  Local people dedicate their spare time to opening properties and organising activities: it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that make Heritage Open Days happen.  English Heritage is proud to support England’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event.”