Little Moreton Hall: it's bigger than you'd think

In Brief.

Little Moreton Hall is a now somewhat wonky timber framed manor house dating from the 16th century, located just south of Congleton in Cheshire.  The name is (Little Moreton) Hall - the hall in Little Moreton, and not Little (Moreton Hall), the hall that is smaller than some other hall in Moreton.  Indeed, although the grounds are quite compact, mostly being inside a moat round the property, the house is quite substantial, featuring a striking courtyard and a decorated long gallery at the top of the building. 


The Hall and the Moat.

What's Here?

Little Moreton Hall, despite its seemingly humble name, is distinguished by two vanity projects. The hall is surrounded by a moat, which is felt to have been built as a status symbol, and which encompasses the compact formal gardens and a lawn.  Furthermore, the top floor is dominated by a long gallery that spans from one end of the hall to another, the weight of which may have contributed to the irregular walls and floors.  However, as wikipedia suggests that the "Mor" in Morton may mean marshland, perhaps maintaining perfect horizontal and vertical lines was always going to be a struggle.

Bay windows in the courtyard.

Elsewhere, there is a collection of, often panelled, rooms connected by winding staircases, featuring some original furniture and a collection of displays on construction techniques and foodstuffs from the heyday of the hall.  In my visit, a host dressed as a parlormaid greeted visitors, provided upstairs / downstairs stories about the chapel, and gave an engaging talk on life in the hall at noon.  This certainly livened up the visit, and the talk preceded a rush to the friendly tearoom that I had visited in the morning.

The grounds are pleasant, and on warmer days will provide a civilised setting for take-away refreshments. However, walking every path won't take many minutes, so the interior staircases are likely to be the main source of exercise on a visit.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 30 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Price: $$

Parking: There is an on-site carpark

Food and Drink: There are two cafes, one for take-aways (there are chairs and tables on the lawn) and one with proper crockery and table service.

Retail Therapy: There is a substantial second hand bookshop at the entrance.

Child Friendly: The quirky hall will be of some interest, but there are few child-specific activities other than in the school holidays.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: I was there for 2 hours, including tea & cake and a talk.

Inside-Outside: 80:20


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