Our History

1177: First written reference to Ordsall as Ordeshala.

1251: David de Hulton recieves Manor of Ordsall in an exchange with the Earl of Derby. There was probably a house at Ordsall by this time.

1335: Radclyffe Family inherit Ordsall Hall from Richard de Hulton.

1354:  Sir John Radclyffe (who died in 1362) establishes his right to the Ordsall Estate.

Circa 1360: Sir John Radclyffe (who died in 1362) builds his new house (including The Star Chamber).

1360: Licence granted for a chapel at Ordsall Hall.

1401: Ordsall Hall attacked by Sir George Caryngton and others and a servant abducted.

1498: Sir William Radclyffe (who died in 1498) founds Chantry Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Manchester Collegiate Church (now the cathedral), where most of the later Radclyffes are buried.

1510: Sir Alexander Radclyffe (who died in 1549) builds the current Great Hall and service wing.

1599: The death of Margaret Radclyffe, Maid of Honour to Elizabeth I.

Early 1600s: Sir John Radclyffe (who died in 1627) builds additional private chambers adjoining east wing/ Star Chamber.

1634: A large portion of the Ordsall estate mortgaged to Humphery Chetham.

1639: Sir Alexander Radclyffe (who died in 1654) builds brick west wing.

1642 (July): One of the Royalist leaders, Lord Strange, receives deputation of townspeople of Manchester whilst lodging with Sir Alexander Radclyfee (who died in 1654) at the hall.

1642 (Sep): Sir Alexander Radclyffe (who died in 1654) takes part in the siege of Manchester with Lord Strange.

1658: Ordsall Hall is mortgaged to Edward Chetham.

1662: Ordsall Hall is sold to Colonel John Birch ending three hundred years of Radclyffe ownership.

1690s: Ordsall Hall is sold to Leftwich Oldfield and later his widow, Alice.

1700s: Great Hall is divided horizontally and the building is divided into three sections. Two or more became rented accommodation.

1750-1812: East wing is demolished sometime during this period.

1756: Ordsall Hall sold to Samuel Hill.

1758: Ordsall Hall passes to Samuel Egerton of Tatton.

Early 1841: Ainsworth writes his novel ‘Guy Fawkes’ much of which is set at the hall.

1849-75: Moat filled in sometime during this period.

1872-75: The artist Frederic Shields rents part of the hall as living accommodation and studio.

1875-1900: Ordsall Hall is surrounded by industrial housing and factories.

1875: Ordsall Hall is let to Haworth’s Mill for use as a Working Men’s Club.

1896-7: Earl Egerton of Tatton converts hall for use as clergy training school. Major restoration work by Alfred Darbyshire includes rebuilding of south front. St Cyprian’s church built on north forecourt.

1908: Clergy Training School transfers to other premises.

1939-45: Ordsall Hall used for various activities associated with war work.

1959: Ordsall Hall sold to the city of Salford.

1960: Major restoration work carried out on the hall. St Cyprian’s Church demolished.

1972: Ordsall Hall is opened to the public as a period house and local history museum.

2009-11: Major restoration of Ordsall Hall. Parts of the house are opened to the public for the first time.