Chadderton Historical Society Chadderton Hall & Park. Chadderton Hall Road,,Chadderton, Lancashire, England.

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Seven Centuries of Manorial History  It would seem that the most sought-after information by school children who visit the local libraries, is on Chadderton Hall and its occupants. The Manorial period was without doubt an important one in the history of Chadderton Township. Lords of Chadderton fought for the king and were knighted at Agincourt, became High Sheriffs of Lancashire, or governed the Isle of Man for the Earl of Derby. Chadderton Hall, it is true to say, has its place not only in the annals of local history but in the wider context of our county and nation. This makes it even more poignant as we accept the fact that virtually nothing remains of this fine hall. Even members of our community who remember it in its final stages have now reached seventy years of age. In an attempt to remedy the situation a major publication on Chadderton Hall and its manorial families has been compiled and edited by the Society. Articles from a number of sources have been used whilst reminiscences of Chaddertonians who can still remember the building also find a place in the book. Whilst the number of photographs of the interior of the hall is still very limited the Society does possess a substantial number depicting the exterior of the building. It is hoped to make the publication available to the public in the near future.   ****

       

Chadderton Fold c1910. The building above became known as 'Bishop Lake's House' and most probably incorporated the original Chadderton Hall. It was demolished in 1962. Chadderton Fold was the site of the original Chadderton Hall, which was erected in the mid-13th century, by the First Lord of the Manor, Geoffrey de Chadderton. By 1367, the Manor had passed into the possession of the Radcliffe family, who were one of the most illustrious families in England. John de Radcliffe, Lord of Chadderton, fought at Agincourt in 1415, and was knighted by King Henry V.   Bishop Lake's House- tho original Hall, from the southeast, about 1910.   About 1454, Chadderton Hall passed by marriage to the Assheton family, who were another notable family in south-east Lancashire. In 1620, Edmund Assheton erected a new hall in Chadderton Park and it was this house which survived until the 20th century. The manor was sold in 1684, to the Horton family of Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, and in 1748 the hall was enlarged and improved by Thomas Horton.  When Sir Watts Horton (1753-1811) married Henrietta, daughter of Lord Strange and sister of the Earl of Derby, he maintained a lavish lifestyle and furnished the hall with expensive paintings and furniture. Appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1775, it was necessary for him to entertain county dignitaries, and Chadderton Hall must have been a sight to behold in those days. His hospitality was legendary and his entertainments for the gentry would continue until 5 o'clock in the morning. Archery contests were a regular event in the parkland which stretched over to Middleton Road, whilst cock-fighting bouts took place in the large barn.      The second Chadderton Hall, built in 1620; re-fronted and extended in 1748.   On the death of Sir Watts in 1811, the estate passed to his brother, the Rev. Sir Thomas Horton, who died in 1821 without sons. The hall then passed to Harriet Susanna Anne, the only daughter of Sir Watts. After her death in 1827, her husband. Major Charles Rhys of Kilmaenllwyd in Carmarthenshire, continued to own the estate until his death in 1852. The final century of its existence saw the hall put to uses which the Chaddertons, Radcliffes, Asshetons and Hortons could never have imagined. From 1839 to 1860 it was a boarding school for young ladies and afterwards a school for boys , this school having transferred from Asshawe Hall, Flixton. In 1865, the hall was sold to the Lees family of Clarksfield, Oldham, and after the death of Colonel Edward Brown Lees was held by his trustees. At the end of the nineteenth century it was leased to Joseph Ball and Chadderton Hall and grounds became a Pleasure Garden with a boating lake and a menagerie, which included a boxing kangaroo and Chang, a handsome Lion which was a great attraction until its death in 1897.   The turnstiles at Chadderton Hall when it was a Menagerie and Pleasure Grounds.    Finally, the lease was taken over by the Livsey family who lived in one part of the hall but used other parts of the building for the manufacture of pickles and preserves! Chadderton Hall's long and glorious history came to an end with its demolition in 1939, the impressive facade of pillars and balustrade being buried in the cellars and the site levelled. Only the eighteenth century gatepost, at the main entrance to the grounds, remain as a silent witness to this most significant period in Chadderton's history.     Chadderton Hall Park gardens as they are now.