Virtual tour: Outside the hall
| The main feature of the exterior of Ordsall Hall is this impressive half timbered section built around 1512. |  |
| The south front, facing Ordsall Lane, was built during reconstruction work carried out in 1896 by Alfred Darbyshire (1839-1908). At this time the hall had been purchased by Earl Egerton of Tatton, who decided to promote the opening of a Clergy Training School at the hall. |  |
| The north aspect of the hall - the hidden side - a view which generally surprises visitors who have walked up to the hall from the car park. |  |
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This aerial photograph was taken in the early 1970s when the hall was surrounded more closely by housing and industry. The east wing including the Star Chamber is to the left, the Great Hall in the centre, and the 1639 brick wing stretching down to the bottom of the picture contains our temporary exhibition gallery. |
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This carving of an Eagle's Claw can be found in the window sill immediately above the entrance door. The sill was saved from a wing of the hall demolished prior to 1812, but the coat of arms is much earlier, dating from the time the hall was owned by the Earls of Derby. It was certainly carved prior to 1360 and is, therefore, the oldest surviving timbering in the hall. |
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This page was last updated on 24 February 2011
