Heaton Park has been in public ownership since 1902 when the 5th Earl of Wilton sold it to the Manchester Corporation. The landscape surrounding the house was designed by William Emes and modified by John Webb and has recently been restored in partnership with the HLF, together with four of the park’s historic buildings. The magnificent James Wyatt house was built for Sir Thomas Egerton in 1772, and is one of Manchester’s most impressive and important buildings. The principal rooms have been beautifully restored and are used to display furniture, paintings and other decorative arts appropriate to the late 18th century.