Worsley Old Hall
Encyclopedia
Worsley Old Hall is a former house, now a public house and restaurant, off Walkden Road (A575
), Worsley
, Greater Manchester
, England. Historically situated within Lancashire
, it has been designated by English Heritage
as a Grade II listed building. In this building the Bridgewater Canal
was planned and its building supervised.
building which has been rebuilt in brick. It is thought that it originally consisted of a hall range on the south side, with wings extending to the north on the east and west sides. The building was remodelled in the 18th century with the addition of a range immediately to the north of the hall range. It was substantially extended in or around 1855 with an extension added to the east wing. Further work was carried out in 1891; in 1905 the space between the wings was filled in with a billiard room
; and in 1906 a small wing was added on the northwest side. During the 20th century there were further internal alterations, particularly in the 1990s when the building was converted into a restaurant. The hall is of particular historical importance because it was in this building that Francis Egerton, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater
, James Brindley
and John Gilbert
planned the Bridgewater Canal
and supervised its building.
chain.
A575 road
The A575 is an A road in Greater Manchester which connects Worsley and Farnworth.- Route :The road begins in Worsley village near junction 13 of the M60 at the A572, where this road goes beneath the M60. It crosses the East Lancashire Road - A580. It then goes through Walkden past the railway...
), Worsley
Worsley
Worsley is a town in the metropolitan borough of the City of Salford, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies along the course of Worsley Brook, west of Manchester. The M60 motorway bisects the area....
, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.6 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the...
, England. Historically situated within Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, it has been designated by English Heritage
English Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
as a Grade II listed building. In this building the Bridgewater Canal
Bridgewater Canal
The Bridgewater Canal connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh, in North West England. It was commissioned by Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, to transport coal from his mines in Worsley to Manchester...
was planned and its building supervised.
History
The present building on the site dates from the 16th or early 17th century. It was originally a timber-framedTimber framing
Timber framing , or half-timbering, also called in North America "post-and-beam" construction, is the method of creating structures using heavy squared off and carefully fitted and joined timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs . It is commonplace in large barns...
building which has been rebuilt in brick. It is thought that it originally consisted of a hall range on the south side, with wings extending to the north on the east and west sides. The building was remodelled in the 18th century with the addition of a range immediately to the north of the hall range. It was substantially extended in or around 1855 with an extension added to the east wing. Further work was carried out in 1891; in 1905 the space between the wings was filled in with a billiard room
Billiard room
A billiard room is a recreation room, such as in a house or recreation center, with a billiards, pool or snooker table...
; and in 1906 a small wing was added on the northwest side. During the 20th century there were further internal alterations, particularly in the 1990s when the building was converted into a restaurant. The hall is of particular historical importance because it was in this building that Francis Egerton, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater
Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater
Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater , known as Lord Francis Egerton until 1748, was a British nobleman, the younger son of the 1st Duke...
, James Brindley
James Brindley
James Brindley was an English engineer. He was born in Tunstead, Derbyshire, and lived much of his life in Leek, Staffordshire, becoming one of the most notable engineers of the 18th century.-Early life:...
and John Gilbert
John Gilbert (agent)
John Gilbert was land agent and engineer to the third Duke of Bridgewater and is credited with the idea which led to the building of the Bridgewater Canal....
planned the Bridgewater Canal
Bridgewater Canal
The Bridgewater Canal connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh, in North West England. It was commissioned by Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, to transport coal from his mines in Worsley to Manchester...
and supervised its building.
Architecture
The building is in brick, most of which is rendered. The roofs are of stone and slate. Some of the 19th-century extensions are timber-framed.Present day
As of 2011 the building is a public house and restaurant in the Brewers FayreBrewers Fayre
Brewers Fayre is a chain of around 125 licensed family and casual dining pub restaurants in the United Kingdom, owned by Whitbread.They are known for serving traditional British pub food, including gammon and steak & ale pie which are among the most popular choices. Nearly all Brewers Fayres are...
chain.