Covered with a scaffolding roof, this 16th Century Tudor mansion in Middleton has suffered from years of neglect.
Despite being ravaged by a devastating fire in 2007, the hall still retains many of its original features, including carved oak beams, inglenook fireplaces, timber panelling and a spiral staircase.
Regarded as one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in the country, it was bought by Rochdale council in 2010 in the hope of returning the hall to its former glory.
Tonge Hall is a Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house in Tonge, Middleton, Greater Manchester, England. It stands on high ground above the valley of the Irk overlooking the town of Middleton.
The hall was built around 1584 by Christopher Tonge, a wealthy clothier. It is a timber-framed building with plaster infill, and is two storeys high. The hall has a central range with two wings, and is surrounded by a moat.
The hall was altered in the 18th and 19th centuries, but it remained in the Tonge family until 1890. It was then bought by Asheton Tonge, a descendant of the original owners. After that the hall was acquired by Albert Wolstencroft, Mayor of Middleton and inherited by his son Captain Norman Wolstencroft. He left the area, leaving the building unoccupied and unprotected.
In 2007, the hall was set on fire by arsonists and severely damaged. Rochdale Council purchased the building from the owner for a nominal sum; in 2014 works were done to stabilise the building. The building has been assessed and repairs have been planned. As of 2023, the Hall remained in a derelict state.
Despite its current state, Tonge Hall is an important historical landmark and a reminder of the wealth and status of the Tonge family. The hall is also a good example of Elizabethan architecture.
Here are some additional details about Tonge Hall:
The hall is Grade II* listed, which means that it is "of special architectural or historical interest, nationally important".
The hall is situated in a conservation area.
I think this house should have been 1 grade listed ? I have never seen such outside decoration timber building before ? In brick castle in Denmark you find this decoration of cross ! Don’t you have any school for timber education ? Put them on the job for learning restoration? It is a shame to see this wonderful Tudor house been abandoned?
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