Mottram Old Hall

Manor house of late Medieval origins, with significant work from the early 16th century, extensions and repairs in the early 17th century, and further alterations in the 18th century, alongside 20th-century restoration. The construction is a mix of ashlar sandstone for the lower storey, timber framing for the upper portions, and brick repairs on the sides and rear. The roof is covered with Kerridge stone-slate and some concrete tiling, and there are 2 stone and 1 brick chimneys.

The structure consists of a square portion to the left, representing parts of the original semi-fortified house. This was expanded in the early 17th century into an E-plan configuration but now forms three sides of a small courtyard. The north front is three stories high. The left two bays are from the original portion, featuring a tall stone plinth with two 2-light, chamfered stone mullions. Above this are heavy major timbering with tension bracing and weak studding. The first storey has two inserted 17th-century 5-light, ovolo-moulded wooden windows. Above these is a painted coving, a moulded tie-beam, and a blocked 4-light mullioned and transomed window within a gable. Attached to the right is an L-shaped portion with lesser stonework and more irregular timber framing, also with weak tension bracing. The first storey of this addition features ovolo-moulded mullioned and transomed windows, and the top storey has similar windows, with a quadrant oriel in the corner. A chamfered stone doorcase is present on the west range.

At the join between the two portions is a tall stone chimney with a chamfered coping, parts of an embrasure, and a round-headed light at the rear. Behind the chimney is an open passage with an early 17th-century door to the right, featuring ovolo-moulded panels and studding. To the rear, the stone plinth includes mullioned windows, one of 10 lights, alongside Flemish bond brickwork with cambered brick heads to 20th-century windows with glazing bars.

The eastern portion contains a stone cellar or undercroft with large brick-arched ovens and a deeply rebated 4-centred arched doorcase. Tension braces are visible in the internal walls above. Much of the upper work dates to the early 17th century, and includes chamfered stone fireplaces. There is bead-moulding on staircase posts and cyma-moulded wooden doorcases. Further features include 18th-century plasterwork and ceiling covings. The added L-shaped portion contains more consistent early 17th-century work, including chamfered stone fireplaces and chamfered ceiling beams with trusses of tiebeam and two diagonal struts. Some corner fireplaces have been added.

The original structure was likely a moated, semi-fortified manor house, probably of 15th-century date. Later building, alterations, and demolition have resulted in a complicated surviving portion of the original building.