Uncovering Salford’s Ordsall Hall – stories of ghosts, Guy Fawkes and a history dating from 1177

By Emily Oldfield

If you haven’t seen Ordsall Hall, it is certainly a striking sight – and something you may not first expect in this urban area of Salford. Sandwiched on three sides by a modern housing estate and close to the Irwell, this unique timber-framed house, in its current form dating back to the 14^th century, was first mentioned in records as early as 1177.

Ordsall Hall stands out as a Grade I listed building, one of only three in Lancashire that has retained its original features – including rare surviving examples of medieval domestic quarters in The East Wing (dating back as far as 1360) and one of largest timber-framed halls in The North West – The Great Hall.

Six medieval pieces of stained glass, early paintwork and even an intricate Italian Plaster Ceiling Room can also be found and seen here, as Ordsall Hall is a place of historical intrigue still open to the public for free 10am - 4pm Monday-Thursday and 1-4pm on Sundays.

The first recorded mention of Ordsall Hall was in 1177 when 'Ordeshala' paid some kind of feudal tax – and it is believed that at this time, a structure of some sort was present. By 1335 this had become a manor which was passed into the hands of Radclyffe family who came from Radclyffe Tower near Bury.

There was some initial uncertainty regarding who was the rightful claimant of the hall, a matter which was finally established by Sir John Radclyffe returning from the French wars and establishing his right of inheritance in 1354.

Some of the medieval wing of the Hall, dating back from the 1340s, still stands, as does the Great Hall, which was built in 1512 when an inheriting member of the Radclyffe family – Sir Alexander Radcylffe - celebrated becoming High Sherriff of Lancashire.  Sir Alexander’s story does not come without its difficulties though, as he was a Royalist and suffered imprisonment and financial hardship during the English Civil War. Such were his struggles, that he had to sell the hall to Colonel John Birch in 1662.

By the end of the 1600s, the estate including the hall had been sold to the Oldfield family and then in 1704 it was taken on by John Stock, who was heavily involved in Cross Street Chapel.

A series of wealthy families and visitors then continued to occupy the hall over the years, including the Pre-Raphaelite artist Frederic Shields (1833-1911) who lived in the hall between 1872 and 1875.  Yet the usage of the building has also extended beyond the domestic and has actually involved some quite surprising circumstances; including being used as a Working Men’s Club by the nearby Haworth’s Mill and also becoming a clergy training school for part of its life.

And the hall not only has an intriguing history, but plenty of intriguing stories associated with it. For example, legend has developed that Ordsall Hall was used by Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby as a meeting place when they were devising the infamous ‘Gunpowder Plot’ to overthrow King James I – and there is even a street directly next to the hall called  Guy Fawkes Street.

The stories stretch to those the supernatural too. After all, Tudor manor houses are often associated with ghosts, and reports suggest a number of repeated sightings at Ordsall Hall – especially regarding the Radcylffe family who were associated with it for over 300 years.

One ghost of particular connection to the hall is known as ‘The White Lady’ - said to be the spirit of Lady Margaret Radclyffe, who died in 1599 following the death of her beloved brother Alexander. It is believed her heartbreak played a role in her demise.

Another ghostly presence is said to be that of Sir John Radclyffe himself, with reports of activity in the Star Chamber – and he’s known for his rather tactile nature!

A further female figure is said to still visit the hall too, referred to as ‘Cecily’- a young girl associated in particular with the sweet smell of roses and appearing when parties of schoolchildren are in the area.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, their legacy at Ordsall Hall certainly provides another way to get to know the building. There are even GhostCams in place which the public can tune into online from 5pm until 8am every night, to survey some of the oldest areas of the Hall and any unusual activities.

A series of ghost nights also run at the hall (with more information on their website) and there are a number of supernatural-inspired specials coming up. This includes a ‘Haunted Heritage and Literature’ event on Tuesday 30 October as part of Halloween in the City.

What is clear is that Ordsall Hall really is a palimpsest of a place – incorporating layers of history and fascination. With wattle and daub dating all the way from the medieval era up until concrete lintels constructed in the 1970s, the building contains a great amount of architectural and cultural significance.

The building has thankfully been preserved and shared with the public, ever since the hall was purchased by Salford Corporation and opened in 1972.  During the period of 2009-2011, it also underwent a £6.5 million restoration, ensuring that it can continue to open and be enjoyed by people today.

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Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN