Ordsall Hall Salford

UK Museums: Ordsall Hall, Manchester

Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall in Salford, Greater Manchester is a former timber-framed manor house dating back to the 13th century. Although the first mention of an 'Ordeshala' was in 1177.

The oldest surviving parts date to the 15th century.

The hall is a Grade I listed building and entry is free of charge. It is the oldest building in Salford.

The Great Hall at Ordsall Hall, Salford , by Michael D Beckwith. — The Great Hall at Ordsall Hall, Salford; the chandelier dates from the time the hall was a Clergy Training School as do the windows on the right

History

The first owners of the house were the Radclyffe family. In 1354 Sir John Radclyffe established his right to inherit the manor on his return from the wars in France. He was also granted the right to his family motto - Caen, Crecy, Calais - for his endeavors on the battlefield.

Sir Alexander Radclyffe (d. 1549) built the present Great Hall in 1512 when he became High Sheriff of Lancashire.

A later Sir Alexander Radclyffe (d. 1654) supported the Royalist cause in the English Civil War (1642 and 1651) and as a result suffered both imprisonment and financial difficulties. As a result his son, John was forced to sell the property in 1662.

Portrait of Sir John Radclyffe. — Portrait of Sir John Radclyffe

The house and estate has since passed through various owners and undergone several architectural modifications over the years. It is said to have hosted meetings between Guy Fawkes and other conspirators of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.

Until 1871 several wealthy families lived in the house. By this time houses and factories surrounded the property and it was let to nearby Haworth's Mill for use as a Working Men's Club complete with gymnasium and skittle alley. Later it became a Clergy Training School until 1908 before being seeing use during World War II.

The property was saved from demolition after the war and was acquired by Salford Corporation in 1959. A major £6.5 million restoration took place between 2009 and 2011.

The hall's architecture showcases a mix of different styles due to its long history. The building includes features from medieval, Tudor, and Victorian periods. It has a distinctive timber-framed design with white plaster infill panels.

A view of Ordsall Hall in September 2023. — The building we see today dates mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries

Ordsall Hall is also known for its alleged paranormal activity. There have been stories and accounts of ghostly sightings and strange occurrences within the hall, contributing to its reputation as a haunted location. The most haunted room is said to be the Star Chamber on the second floor.

The hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds that add to its charm. The gardens have been designed to reflect different historical periods, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past.

Stained glass windows at Ordsall Hall. — These stained glass windows at Ordsall Hall date back to the 1550s; one shows the shield of Robert Radcliffe, Lord Fitzwilliam and the other the shield of Thomas Stanley, the second Earl of Derby

Exhibits and a video presentation of the history of the house. — Exhibits and a video presentation of the history of the house

Exhibits & Events

Visitors can learn about the history of the house and the people who lived in it over the ages. Volunteers, some of them history professors at the University of Manchester, are on hand to explain in more detail.

The Pre-Raphaelite artist Frederic Shields once leased the house from 1872 to 1875 and The Frederic Shields Gallery has exhibits of some of the manor's residents over the ages.

The grounds of the house contain pieces of public art, heritage gardens and a World War I allotment.

Various outdoor theatre performances also take place here in the summer months along with workshops throughout the year inside.

The coat of arms of Sir John Radclyffe. — The coat of arms of Sir John Radclyffe believed to be the oldest part of the house

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Access - Getting There

322 Ordsall Lane, Ordsall, Salford M5 3AN
Tel: 0161 872 0251
www: ordsallhall.com

Hours

Monday to Thursday 10 am to 4.00 pm. Sunday 11.30 am to 4.00 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Free admission.

The house has a small cafe and gift shop selling a range of gifts and homeware.

The premises are available for hire for conferences, meetings and weddings.

The house and gardens are free entry. — The house and gardens are free entry

Public Transport

The house is a short walk from Exchange Quay tram stop on the Manchester Metrolink.

From Salford Crescent station near Peel Park it is 30 minutes on foot due south.

From Salford Crescent Station, there are regular trains to Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road, as well as other destinations in Greater Manchester.

Two buses on the Bee Network stop near Exchange Quay tram stop. These are the 53orbits from Cheetham Hill to Salford Shopping Centre and the 79 from Pendleton to Stretford.

Other worthwhile museums, art galleries and libraries in Manchester include the Portico Library, the Manchester Museum, People's History Museum, the Greater Manchester Police Museum, the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Transport Museum.