The Mansion House St Helens

Around 1850 John Andsell, a solicitor in this small but rapidly expanding town of St Helens, requested the building of Cowley House - the original name of the Mansion House.

The brewing and coal owning Speakman family had become his inlaws, when after his partner Richard Speakman’s death, John married his widow. When John Andsell’s brother-in-law John Speakman died, Andsell quickly purchased the land he had owned on the northern side of Cowley Hill.

It is very much a Victorian Gentleman’s residence. It’s imposing entrance porch led to a spacious central hall and elegant staircase. The tile work which adorned the first floor was said to have been laid by specialists brought over from Italy. Upstairs were six bedrooms and a dressing room. Four more bedrooms were on the second floor and two were situated off the top landing. Almost opposite Andsell’s gates was the driveway leading to Windlehurt, David Gamble’s home.

Following her husband’s death Mrs Andsell vacated Cowley House, and the grounds and the house were bought for £110,000 by St Helens Corporation. Changes were made such as a new entrance way and the park was to be open daily to the public. This was the first public park in St Helens and was opened on Monday 14th April 1886. The building was transformed into an art gallery and museum. Many of the exhibits were donated as gifts by local individuals and remained on display until the building ceased to be a museum in 1966.

The Mansion House today is a vibrant multi use venue, used for weddings, parties and funerals. We have multiple rooms and spaces and cater for groups from 10 to 150. We also hold regular classes and activities in the venue from Zumba and Tai Chi to Tea Dances and Craft work.