| Summary : A timber framed great house of 14th century date with later additions constructed on the site of an earlier, possibly 11th to 12th century, aisled hall. The standing remains comprise a black and white, timber framed open hall of the mid 14th century built on a stone base and with a slate roof. The north wing is a brick refacing of a later medieval timber wing. The south wing is a late 17th century brick addition which was replaced during the 18th century. The hall has a cross passage at the north end, the north wing has 2 rooms separated by a passageway with access to the upper floor by a stairway in a later brick-built addition on the north side and the south wing has 2 rooms separated by 2 staircases giving access to the upper floor. Excavation of the hall during the 1980s found evidence of the aisled timber hall beneath the present structure. Excavation beneath the south wing found evidence for a chamber block which was added to the aisled hall prior to the early 14th century. The present hall was built by Sir William de Baguley or one of his two sons, John and William. Baguley Hall remained in use as a farm until the middle of the 20th century after which it was abandoned. Ongoing maintenance began in the 1970s. Currently in the care of English Heritage. Scheduled. |
More information : SJ 8161 8874: Baguley Hall (NR) (1)
A 14th century timber-framed hall with two brick wings, the north medieval and the south apparently late 17th century. It is the best medieval secular building in the city of Manchester and is of considerable national interest. (2)
The Hall, formerly derelict, is now protected and is being restored
by the local authority. (3)
Baguley Hall, 14th century timbered hall, one of the oldest in
Lancashire. Grade 1. (4)
Scheduled, SAM Number GM 13.(5)
Additional references.(6-7)
Limited excavation demonstrated that Smith and Stell were in error in suggesting that the hall had a boat-shaped plan indicating survival of pre-Conquest building traditions in 14th century. Smith and Stell's measurements were taken at wall-plate level, not cill-beam level where there is less variation. The stone base-walls under the cill show no significant variation. Moreover, the base of the spere truss is nearly at a right angle to the wall. Post-holes of three timber buildings and indications of another masonry structure were found under the stone base-walls. (8)
Baguley Hall near Manchester has long been recognized as one of the finest surviving medieval halls in the northwest of England and is currently undergoing an extensive English Heritage programme of repair. The opportunity has been taken to make a more detailed study of its timber framing, which is a relic of a local style common to the Dee estuary area. Excavations within and immediately outside the building have also been undertaken, and seven broad structural phases are outlined from the first aisled hall through 14th century additions to Victorian repair work. (9) |