Introduction to Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall has had a varied and interesting history. It has been a self-sufficient estate, a family home, a Working Men’s Club and a Clergy Training School and has been associated with many prominent people and events throughout its life. It is a tangible link between the present day and over 800 years of history – a history that is rich with stories and as diverse as the community it now stands in.

Unlike many old halls that have fallen victim to new developments, Ordsall Hall has surviving building fabric that dates back to the mid-1300s! Because of this, it is classified as a Grade I listed building. Only around 2% of listed buildings in the UK fall into the Grade I category.

It has been suggested that the name ‘Ordsall’ comes from the Old English words ‘Ord’ which is a personal name, and ‘halh’ meaning a corner or nook. This describes the position of Ordsall, which is situated in a bend of the River Irwell. The land at Ordsall was part of the Manor of Salford at the time of the Norman Conquest (1066). The name first appears in written records in 1177 when ‘Ordeshala’ paid two marks towards an aid, feudal due or tax.

There was probably a house at Ordsall by 1251 when William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, exchanged the manor for land in Pendleton which belonged to David de Hulton.

Ordsall Hall was owned by the Radclyffe family from 1335 until 1658. Click here to read more about them and the time Ordsall Hall spent in their care.

From 1658 to the present Ordsall Hall has been owned by many people and used for a variety of interesting purposes. Click here to read more about the different owners of Ordsall Hall.