Tonge Hall

MIDDLETON WILLIAM STREET SD 80 NE 2/28 Tonge Hall 15.3.57 - II* House. 1580s with C18 and C19 alterations. Timber-framed with stone plinth, brick alterations and graduated stone slate roof. T-shaped 2-storey plan with a cross passage against the right gable-end. The first floor, eaves and gables all have coved jetties. Bay 1 is a gabled crosswing, bay 2 projecting to the same degree was originally the bay window of the hall and is also gabled. A gabled 2-storey porch in bay 4 was replaced by a plain brick wall and porch in the C19. 4 ground floor windows and a first floor window all with diamond- shaped oak mullions and transoms (some replacements) and between 4 and 6 lights. The projecting hall bay window was fully glazed until the C20. A 2-light window above the bay window has arched heads. The most distinctive feature of the building is the extensive use of quatrefoil panels which extends as far as the framing across the front and left elevations. Casement and horizontally sliding sash windows to left return. The rear and right elevations have been rebuilt in brick in the C18 incorporating various casement windows, some below elliptical brick arches. C20 porches to rear and left. 2 ridge chimney stacks with diagonally set paired brick shafts. Rainwater heads art, inscribed RT 1703 (Richard Tonge). INTERIOR: An inglenook fireplace with massive bressumer beam backs onto the gable-end cross passage which is now split by a partition to form a room. The hall has also been compartmented to allow the insertion of a stair- case in 1936 and to separate the bay window. The beams are chamfered and are braced diagonally on both floors to the principal posts. The beams in the crosswing form a grid pattern and have dragon beams at each corner. The central of the 3 crosswing rooms is fully lined with late C17 bolection-moulded panel- ling and above a fine bolection-moulded fire surround is said to be a painting concealed by paint. A spiral oak staircase winds round an octagonal newel post. The house enjoys a commanding position on top of a hill and is an outstanding example of C16 carpentry and planning. Victoria County History of Lancashire, 1911.

Listing NGR: SD8775605821