Stockport Masonic Guildhall has undergone an extensive refurbishment, bringing it back to its former glory.

This iconic Victorian building, based on Wellington Road South, now has a restored exterior in keeping with how it would have looked in 1868 when it was first built.

In its long history, parts of the building had fallen into disrepair, and even as recently as seven years ago the Guildhall was in 'very poor' condition.

However, the Freemasons decided to refurbish the building in an extensive and costly project which started around seven years ago.

And it's not quite done yet - there are still some interior rooms left to complete on the upper floors.

However, what has been done so far has revitalised the Guildhall, making it more accessible, more visually impressive, and better able to host a wide range of events.

Left to right: David Dyson, head of Cheshire Freemasons; Cllr Kerry Waters, Mayor of Stockport; Sebastian Daly, Freemasons' assistant for the Stockport area (Image - Cheshire Freemasons)

Indeed, as well as serving the local Freemasons, the Guildhall regularly hosts weddings, festivals and events.

Next weekend, for example, is the Mind Body Spirit event. This event, a fixture of Stockport's yearly events itinerary, will feature two days of workshops, speakers, activities and more - centred around the theme of mind, body and spirit. Find tickets and more information here.

In any case, the renovation marks a new chapter in the rich history of the Guildhall.

In the first 60 years after its construction, the guildhall served as a Sunday School, then in 1932 the Freemasons of Stockport moved into the building.

It's seen 31 Prime Ministers, and has lived through some of the most tumultuous events in world history - in 1940, for example, it served as a home for evacuee children fleeing bombed cities in the Second World War.

Members of the public were given the chance to have a look around the refurbished building on Saturday 30 August.

Giving a speech at that open day, Cheshire Freemason Andy Ferri said: "As well as Freemasonry, we are a hospitality venue, and we look forward to many weddings, conferences, and all manner of event being hosted here."

The renovation works were carried out by Stone Central and Touchstone Glazing.

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