Hopwood Hall

SD 80 NE 2/24

MIDDLETON ROCHDALE ROAD (north west side), Hopwood Hall

15/03/57

II* House, now part of training college. Largely of the C17 and C18 but incorporating parts of an early C16 open-hall timber-framed structure and various C19 and C20 additions and alterations. Brick with stone dressings and graduated stone slate roof. Quadrangular two-storey plan with later additions to west including a C20 extension which is not of special interest.

A symmetrical gatehouse (of 1690 but rebuilt in C20) gives access to the courtyard through double studded-oak gates. It has a projecting plinth, stone quoins, a segmental archway, and a flat roof replacing the original pitched roof. Two six-light double-chamfered stone mullion and transom windows on each floor and a C19 oriel window in bay 2 with coat of arms and castellated parapet. The windows, which have leaded lights and hoodmould (with coiled stops on the ground floor), have on the whole been replaced or re-cut. The C19 two bay addition to right repeats similar details. The left return consists of a library of c.1755 with C19 two storey bay window and a dining room of c.1840 with large mullion and transom windows.

The rear (south) elevation has four bays and various later additions which step up the hill to left. The screens-passage door with stone surround remains in its original position adjacent to a two storey late C16 canted bay window with nine-light mullion and transom windows on each floor. The canted bay windows in bays 3 and 4 are C19 but contribute greatly to the house's distinctive character. Bay 1 has mullioned windows on each floor; the later additions have casements. The numerous circular chimney shafts are largely C19 or C20.

INTERIOR: the C16 roof trusses including the spere truss over the original hall are all intact. They have king posts and cusped braces. The floor which was inserted in the late C16 is also complete with its heavily moulded beams. The extent to which the timber frame still exists has not been fully explored. Substantial quantity of carved oak includes doors, door surrounds, fire surrounds, panelling etc. Its age and origins are varied but much dates from the early C17. Tudor-arched fire surround in stone dated 1658 bearing initials FG and a coat of arms. Other features including much C19 work are of interest.

The house is particularly noteworthy as an example of a quadrangular plan which developed around a timber-framed open hall.

Listing NGR: SD8748308299