Hollingworth Hall, England

Hollingworth Hall (Click on the thumbnail to view the full size image):

The following information regarding Hollingworth Hall was taken from Mansions of England and Wales (Volume 2, 1850) and was sent by Hollingworth researcher, and historian, Marjorie of Derbyshire, England. Thanks so much Marjorie for sharing this with us!

     "The Ancient family was seated here antecedent to the conquest. The pedigree, which states that the family had large estates in France, commences in 1022. In regular descent to the present proprietor: Robert De Holllyngworth."
     "The Hall is very ancient and retains its original site; and remains of stonework betokening Edwardian (14th Century) origin yet exist, But the general character of the building refers to the period of Henry VI (15th Century)."
     "It was originally Quadrangular with chapel, great hall, and gate tower: The latter is till remaining."
     "A few relics of ancient armour, old pictures and stag antlers hang upon the walls of the old dining hall and many of the rooms still retain their tapestried hangings."
     "It is the intention of the present proprietor to restore the Hall to its present character as represented by the annexed views."

NOTE: The above was written in 1850. Robert De Hollyngworth (6ft - 5in tall) was a Captain in the 6th Dragoon Guards, with which regiment he served in India. He was a Deputy-Lieutenant for the County, and a magistrate, much respected in Hyde. According to one article, Robert prided himself on being able to trace his ancestry to the year 1002 (I wonder if the date should have been 1022?). He died January 31, 1865. He never finished the restoration of the Hall and his estate including Hollingworth Hall was left to his brother, Dennis, who sold it the following year, 1866.

     Below is an article from Mansions of Cheshire & Wales II - County of Chester that was sent to me by the Tameside Local Studies and Archives Library located near Manchester. I do not have a copy of the entire publication but it appears that this was written during the time that Robert de Hollyngworthe was residing in Hollingworth Hall. He had plans of restoring Hollingworth Hall and included sketches of his plans (one is attached). Of course, Robert died in 1865 and his dream for the restoration of Hollingworth Hall died with him. Robert's estate was willed to his brother, Dennis and Hollingworth Hall was later sold to another family. Sadly, Hollingworth Hall was demolished in 1943/44.

     Hollyngworthe Hall, in the parish of Mottram in Longdendale, nine miles from Stockport, is the property of Robert de Hollyngworthe. Esq., late Captain in the 6th Dragoon Guards, now a Magistrate for the counties of Chester and Lancaster, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the former.
     This ancient family was seated here antecedent to the Conquest. The pedigree, which states that the family had large estates in France, commences at 1022, in regular descent to the present proprietor.
     The Hall is very ancient, and retains its original site, and remains of stonework, betokening Edwardian origin, yet exist, but the general character of the building refers to the period of Henry VI. It was originally quadrangular, with chapel, great hall, and gate tower; the latter is still remaining. A few relics of ancient armour, old pictures, and stag antlers of great size hang upon the walls of the old dining hall; and many of the rooms still retain their tapestried hangings. It is the intention of the present proprietor to restore the hall to its original character, as represented by the annexed views.
     The arms and initials, of a very early date, of this family, cut in stone, are built in over the north door of the parish Church of Mottram, Coeval with its erection, and facing Hollyngworthe. On the north side of the chancel is the family chapel, in one of the windows of which are the family arms, crest, and motto, richly emblazoned.
     The name and the arms of Hollyngworthe are derived from Holly tree, and the Saxon term worthe, which signifies court.
     In the neighbourhood are the remains of Melandra Castle, a Roman station; and in Hollyngwrothe Hall is a stone with the letters I.M.P. cut upon it, evidently a fragment of a Roman inscription. At the opposite extremity of the estate is the fine old British fortification of Buckton Castle with its moated mound.

Click on the thumbnail to view the full size image:

This is a 17th Century dining chair once used as sanctuary chair.

Information and photos courtesy of John Hollingsworth and Carey Hardy.