DON'T get too excited about the headline: the facelift referred to was back in 1968 and today the hall stands in a neglected state.
This massive regeneration project was undertaken when the hall was used by the De La Salle brothers, a Catholic teaching order, with work being carried out by Roofcraft of Farnworth and Dublin-based Biotox.
The reparation work, which took two years, involved replacing the oak roof beams, joists, floorboards and staircases. These had dry rot which would have destroyed the building had repairs not taken place.
Hopwood Hall dates back to Tudor times, and the Hopwood family themselves to Norman times. The last resident of the hall was Susan Fanny Hopwood, a formidable and passionate crusader for smoke control who successfully prosecuted local mill owners for polluting the air.
There was an air of excitement throughout the town on 16 August 1896, when Judith Hopwood married William Henry Von Schroder, the only son of Baron and Baroness William Von Schroder of the Rookery, Nantwich, Cheshire.
Hours prior to the ceremony, townsfolk gathered at the Parish Church, all wanting to gain the best position to watch the ceremony. The ancient church was full to overflowing and large crowds were gathered in the churchyard.
After the ceremony the reception was held at Hopwood Hall, where over 300 wedding gifts were laid out in the library.
At the time, the presents were described as "Many beautiful and useful articles, also with some lovely jewellery.
Restoration is urgently required to preserve this historic hall and its history for future generations.
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Karen Bozeat, Poole Dorset (29/08/2005 at 10:16)
Virginia Walker, usa (17/11/2005 at 13:22)
This a a great guide to see if you have a history tied to this great relic that I visited last week and that I'm sick about. This great Hall is listed as in danger by the national historical watch group. I'm so sad about the condition of the property and the continued abuse. There are 20th century buildings that have been built onto the original remains of the house, plus it is surrounded by rubbish. The old mill was apparently the site for a rave party recently, and all the windows are broken out and filth everywhere. The Georgian gates at one of the entrances was recently ripped off of it's pedistal by some motorist. I am looking forward to going home and seeing if there is anything that can be done to save this landmark. Possibly the Historical Property Lottery. Has anyone applied? Is there a contractor that specializes in tudor properties that can give us a quote and a time line for restoration and recovery? Is there a local resident that has the same ideas as myself that could help with paperwork? Will the school sell the Hall and property that they are not using, including that chapel at the top of the hill that they are not using so it can be torn down? Does the school really like being there? Would they be willing to move completly? My mind is flooded with ideas and I'm hoping that I'm just too late and that someone has already started this worth while project that I can just aide them. If not I'm passionate about the task.
Sherren Laybourn, Okehampton Devon uk (13/01/2006 at 16:52)
In researching my family roots in Middleton, I came across some postcards of the Hall,dated 1908. A grand looking woman poses with a horse and dogs. 'Lady Hopwood' is written on the back....would this be Susan or Judith?
Dakini Maddock, Australia (30/09/2007 at 09:41)
My parents live up on the main road and I have grown up loving this place. I now live in Australia but want to see this place resuced.
steady, rochdale (09/08/2008 at 18:31)
if you have any interest and usefull literature please email me.Regards Jason Stead