Handforth Hall

SJ 88 SE WILMSLOW FORMER U.D. HALL ROAD (North Side) Handforth

2/283 Handforth Hall

30/3/1951 II*

Manor house: dated 1562 for Sir Urian Brereton some early C17 alterations and successive restorations. Timber framed on sandstone plinth, Kerridge stone-slate roof, stone ridge and 2 brick chimneys. Probably E-shaped or possibly quadrangular in plan at full extent, now 1 range. 2-storey, 5-bay front. Central bay is a 2-storey porch under a coved gable with an entrance with ornately carved jambs and inscription on the lintel reading

"THIS HAULLE WAS BUYLDED IN THE YEARE OF OUR LORD GOD MCCCCCLXll BY URYAN BRERETON KNIGHT WHOM MARYED MARGARET DAUGHTER AND HEYRE OF WYLLYAM HANDFORTH OF HANDFORTHE ESQUYER AND HAD ISSUE VI SONNES AND II DAUGHTERS".

Behind porch is a 4-centred arched entrance with C20 door. Above is coving with pierced quatrefoils, a motif repeated at the eaves. 1st storey has. a 2-light mullioned and transomed window partly with original leaded glazing. Above window is diamond pattern timbering continuing across the whole front and cross motif in the gable. Right end bay is a similar projection but with no door and left end bay has no coving as there was another range joined at this point. Original or copied 2 and 3-light mullioned and transomed windows throughout. To rear are 2 long wood mullioned windows to former great hall and chevroning throughout. Left end is a similar 2-storey projection with ornate carving on tiebeam of gable. 1-storey addition at east end. Interior: Entrance into screens passage where 1 post has black painted interlace decoration. To right is former great hall (now divided into 2 rooms). Chamfered ceiling beams, 1 resting on a carved bracket. Stone fireplace brought from Yorkshire. Arcade of 3 entrances on left side of screens passage, 2 with elliptical heads of early C17, far one is original 4-centred head to "chapel". Central opening to very fine oak well staircase with 2 levels of open Jacobean arcaded panelling, square newels with carved finials. In stairwell, balustrade has 2 gates to deep recess, probably for a watch dog. On landing is pair of Jacobean 3-panel doors with strapwork in the top panel. These open to antechambers with a wall completely covered with chevron timberwork, (1 contains a blocked original doorway). Main chamber lies beyond and has been divided into 2.

The home of Sir William Brereton, Parliamentary commander in the North-West.

Listing NGR: SJ8630783309