Bramhall,
Stockport. Tel: 0161-485 3708.
Described by Pevsner as "...one of the four
best timber mansions in England". Visitors are often confused to find
Bramall Hall is in Bramhall ! Locally the disparity was controversial
too. This came about when, in 1935, Hazel Grove & Bramhall Urban District
Council acquired the Hall, and in keeping with the original entry in the
Domesday
book, decided to retain the original spelling of "Bramall" for the
house.
History:
Bramall Hall currently is owned by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and
is one of best preserved black and white timber buildings in Cheshire. Its
oldest parts date from the 14th century, though the estate itself dates back to
around 1070 AD when William the Conqueror subdued the North West region;
dividing the land amongst his loyal followers, the manor of "Bramale" were given
to Hamo de Masci ("Massey" - he became the first baron of Dunham Massey). In
earlier Saxon times, (before the Conquest), the estate formed part of the much
bigger two neighbouring manors of Brun and Hacun.
In the 12th century the
manor passed to the Bromale family, and stayed with them for 200 years until,
through marriage, it passed to Davenports, who resided at Bramall for 500 years.
The building shows a great deal of subsequent rebuilding and addition - much
of it following current fashion of the day, though most was accomplished after
it passed from the Davenport family in 1877. It stood empty until purchase by
Charles Neville, a local calico printer, in 1883. Neville made many sympathetic
alterations, with the assistance of architect, George Faulkener Armitage -
notably, the interior was made more comfortable while retaining most of the
buildings external features.
In 1923, after the Great War, the family's
changing fortunes compelled Thomas Neville to sell the house and contents to
John Henry Davies, who lived there until his death in 1927, though his widow,
Amy lived on the estate until 1935 when she sold it to Hazel Grove and Bramhall
Urban District Council. Following Local Government reorganisation in 1974, the
estate became the responsibility of the new Stockport Metropolitan Borough
Council, who still maintain it.
The Park
Over 62 acres of
beautifully landscaped parkland (dating from the 19th century) with lakes and
waterfowl. A ha-ha, or sunken ditch separates the Hall from the park to keep
cattle out. The park is a Mecca for local residents, and makes a pleasant picnic
or walking site.
Guided Tours:
An introductory 15 minute video
about the house is offered, and is well worth seeing. There are numerous
attendants who will guide you through the house, though you may choose an
unguided tour. Rooms all contain plenty of information about architecture,
furniture, details, etc. Open to viewing by the public are: the Great Hall, the
Lesser Hall, the Banqueting Hall (pictured above), the Chapel (with medieval
"Passion" painting), the so-called Ballroom (with fine wall paintings),
Staircases, Neville's Room, the Plaster Room, the Paradise Room (pictured
above), the Withdrawing Room, Kitchens, and Servants Quarters.
Opening: Open all year round April-September every day from
1.00-5.00pm; October-December Tuesday-Sunday 1.00-4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day
and Boxing
Day.
Location: Easily signposted from Stockport - follow
Bramhall signs from Stockport centre. Ample free parking.
Entrance:
Entrance to the Park is free. Entrance to the Hall costs about £3.50 for adults
with concessions at £2.50. Family Ticket about £9.00 - prices subject to
change.
Facilities: Shop, Stables Restaurant serving full lunches,
light meals, teas and beverages. Ample free parking. Facilities for the
disabled. Toilets.
Source: manchester2002-uk.com
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