ghostly1, I found an old journal as I was sorting out some books and found some info on Raby Hall. You might already have this but it is interesting reading etc. The journal is
"Wirral Journal Vol. 2 No 6 Summer 1985"I am including an image of the scanned page but I also have a pdf file which is the text taken using OCR from the image - but I can't seem to upload this to wikiwirral, will check this out.
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Raby Hall –
Yesterday and today
Rena GriffithsTravellers taking that delightful rural lane between Bromborough and Raby village have often wondered about Raby Hall, its history and its residents. Until recently, only a plain wooden plaque set in the sandstone wall depicted the mansion's name: now, passing travellers are informed that this is Raby Hall Autistic Community.
Raby Hall was built in 1846 for Edwin Bamford, a well-known Liverpool merchant of the time. It was designed by Harvey Elmes, a leading Victorian architect who also designed St George's Hall in Liverpool. Raby Hall was eventually bought by Lord Leverhulme and became part of his estate: it was bought by the Wirral Autistic Society in 1975. The Society had as its main aim for many years the establishment of a residential community for autistic adolescents and adults: the size, layout and location of Raby Hall helped to make the place ideal for conversion to meet the requirements of a residential community. In November 1979, after extensive conversion work, the Hall was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne.
What goes on at Raby Hall? Inside, the young people work at pottery, jewelcraft, candle-making, screen printing, and knitting. Outside, the large vegetable gardens and greenhouses mean that, as well as receiving horticultural training, the residents are able to grow vegetables for their own use. But life is not all centred about the Hall: visits are made to West Kirby for swimming, to the local sports centre for badminton, and to the local Riding School.
A fascinating link between the past history of the Hall and its present use has been established through the discovery, during redecoration, of the Bamford Coat of Arms painted on the walls of the hall and staircase. The Bamford Arms have three linked rings, from which is a raised arm holding a flag emblazoned spear, the motto, Perseverantia Vincit, means Perseverance Conquers. This was considered to be a good omen for the project and, as the Arms were no longer in use, the Society gained permission to use them.
Inside the Hall, despite extensive conversion, much remains as a reminder of bygone days. A particularly beautiful window on the main staircase depicts, in stained glass, the Six Virtues, designed in the style of Burne Jones. The large craft room off the front hall, and the oak panelled sitting room, have ceilings in the Adam style. The ceiling in the craft room has been restored to its original glory, in authentic pastel colours, by a lecturer from Liverpool College of Art. In every way, Raby Hall retains its requirement of being a 'domestic dwelling' - of Raby Hall - a home with a small 'h'.
This is an extract taken from:
Wirral Journal Vol. 2 No 6 Summer 1985
Description: Raby Hall from Wirral Journal Vol. 2 No 6 Summer 1985
but certainly don't want any one thinking I was trespassing. 
