Ackhurst Hall
| Ackhurst Hall | |
|---|---|
 Ackhurst Hall in 2012 | |
  Location within Greater Manchester | |
| General information | |
| Location | Ackhurst Lane, Orrell, Greater Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53°33′23″N 2°41′16″W / 53.55643°N 2.68767°W |
| Year built | 1686 |
| Renovated | 19th century (extended) |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
| Official name | Ackhurst Hall |
| Designated | 30 March 1966 |
| Reference no. | 1228341 |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Sundial approximately 5 metres south of Ackhurst Hall |
| Designated | 10 May 1988 |
| Reference no. | 1228342 |
Ackhurst Hall is a Grade II* listed building on Ackhurst Lane in Orrell, a suburb of Wigan within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Historically in Lancashire, it is one of the most significant historic houses in the area and is noted for its architectural and historical importance.
History
[edit]Ackhurst Hall originated as a farmhouse in the 17th century, with evidence of earlier features such as a fireplace dated 1618 and a datestone inscribed "1686".[1] These details suggest that the building was constructed during the late 17th century, possibly incorporating earlier elements. The hall was later extended in the 19th century, reflecting changes in domestic architecture and the growing prosperity of its occupants.[2]
The property has historical associations with local gentry and Catholic recusants.[3] The attic was reportedly used for the celebration of Mass during periods of religious tension, indicating its role in the region's social and religious history.[2]
In December 1868, the hall was the scene of a notorious local tragedy when a child was murdered near the property. The case attracted widespread attention at the time and remains unsolved, forming part of Wigan's darker historical narratives.[4]
On 30 March 1966, Ackhurst Hall was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance.[1]
The hall is currently in use as a private residence and is not open to the public.
Architecture
[edit]Ackhurst Hall is built of sandstone with a stone-slate roof and follows a traditional two-storey plan with an attic. The main elevation consists of four bays, with the second and fourth bays projecting under gables. A porch in the second bay contains a round-headed entrance and retains its original studded door.[2] Most windows are hollow-chamfered mullioned and transomed, with continuous drip moulds on the ground floor and label moulds on the first floor. A timber canted bay window is present in the fourth bay, and the attic includes a small blocked two-light window.[1]
The rear of the building features a gabled bay with mullioned windows and a three-bay 19th-century extension fitted with casements.[1] Internally, the hall retains significant historic fabric, including timber-framed partition walls with wattle and daub infill, two fireplaces with ovolo-moulded openings and inset Tudor heads, and a spiral timber staircase leading to the attic. The roof structure includes collar trusses, one with a turned king post and ovolo-moulded principal rafters. Original doors with bolection moulding and period ironwork also survive.[2]
Setting and features
[edit]The hall stands in a semi-rural position on the southern slope of the Douglas Valley, near Gathurst station.[4] A 17th-century sundial, listed at Grade II, is located in front of the hall.[5] It consists of a stone baluster on a round plinth with two steps, although its flat top is not original.[6]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Historic England. "Ackhurst Hall (Grade II*) (1228341)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Ackhurst Hall". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Wigan St Mary's and St John's Bicentenary (PDF) (Report). North West Catholic History Society. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ a b "Ackhurst Hall". Wigan Buildings. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "Sundial S of Ackhurst Hall". Wigan Buildings. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Historic England. "Sundial approximately 5 metres south of Ackhurst Hall (Grade II) (1228342)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
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