Location

Macclesfield, Cheshire

5m N of Macclesfield, A523, 13m S of Manchester. London 178m.

History

Adlington Hall, the home of the Leghs of Adlington from 1315 to the present day, was built on the site of a Hunting Lodge which stood in the Forest of Macclesfield in 1040. Two oaks, part of the original building, remain with their roots in the ground and support the east end of the Great Hall, which was built between 1480 and 1505.

The Hall is a Manor House, quadrangular in shape, and was once surrounded by a moat. Two sides of the Courtyard and the east wing were built in the typical ÔBlack and WhiteÕ Cheshire style in 1581. The south front and west wing (containing the Drawing Room and Dining Room) were added between 1749 and 1757 and are built of red brick with a handsome stone portico with four Ionic columns on octagonal pedestals. Between the trees in the Great Hall stands an Organ built by ÔFatherÕ Bernard Smith (c.1670-80). Handel subsequently played on this instrument, and now fully restored, it is the largest 17th century organ in the country.

Gardens

The Wilderness was landscaped in the style of ÔCapabilityÕ Brown in the mid 18th century and incorporates both earlier 17th century plantings and sympathetic Victorian additions. The formal French style has given way to an apparently wild, but very carefully cultivated informality. Dotted about the circuitous paths are a number of decorative buildings. Old fashioned rose garden and yew maze recently planted.

Facilities & Amenities

Suitable for corporate events, product launches, business meetings, conferences, concerts, fashion shows, garden parties, rallies, clay-pigeon shooting and filming.

The Great Hall and Dining Room available when Hall is closed to the public. Catering can be arranged.

Disabled visitors may alight at entrance to Hall. Disabled WCs.

Tearoom.

Guided tours available.

For 100 cars and 4 coaches, 100 yds from Hall.

Schools welcome. Guide can be provided.