Marple Hall

Marple Hall was initially constructed in 1658. Its most famous (infamous?) resident was Judge John Bradshawe, (1602-1659) who presided over the Court of Justice that sentenced Charles I to death. The Bradshawe family continued to live there until it was inherited in 1940 by Christopher Isherwood, who almost immediately passed ownership to his younger brother, Richard. He was ill-prepared and financially unable to look after the Hall and when the caretakers retired in 1953 it was left empty and became the target of thieves and vandals. This ultimately led to its demolition in 1959. These galleries show this magnificent home at its best and, sadly, its derelict worst. Click here to read more about Marple Hall.

Hall and outbuildings

Marple Hall and outbuildings Photographs of Marple Hall, its outbuildings and the estate, from the heydays to the decay days. What might have been if these wonderful old buildings had been preserved just a few more years, until people began to understand the value of our heritage?

171 photos

Interior and furnishings

Marple Hall interior and furnishings Interior shots of Marple Hall, including images from the catalogue of the auction of the hall's contents in 1929. Click here to read more about the items sold at auction.

43 photos

Jack Wilkinson Album

The demise of Marple Hall recorded by Jack Wilkinson An album full of the saddest photographs but we're very grateful to have them to preserve the memories. These images were loaned by the family of the late Jack Wilkinson, who recorded for posterity the final demise of Marple Hall.

44 photos

Relics and souvenirs

Commemoration, relics and souvenirs of Marple Hall This album includes the commemorative date stone and plaque erected by Marple Civic Society and Marple Antiquarian Society (now Marple Local History Society). There are also a few other remnants of this once great Hall still to found and we have photographed and recorded as many as we can.