In 1939 and 1940, the Hall and gardens were occupied by the 2nd/8th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers as a training ground. Around 100 troops were accommodated on the site; training trenches were dug in the grounds and the basements of the Hall used as air raid shelters.
Over the course of the early 20th century, the Hall had fallen into disrepair. While the Hall was under military occupation, the entrance gates on Leigh Road were damaged, windows to the building were smashed and there were reports that interior fittings had been used for firewood.
Although the War Department was fined to cover the cost of the repairs, in September 1943 the top floor of the building was badly damaged by fire.
An assessment of the damage caused by the fire:
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