The Old Hall
If Tatton Park is a jewel in the crown of Cheshire, then the Old Hall is its hidden gem.
Standing within its own grounds in a quiet wooded part of the park, the Old Hall has a special atmosphere created by time, place and people. Nearby is the disappeared Tatton village whose humps and hollows show where houses once stood and where centuries of tramping feet have hollowed out ancient roadways - an area of archaeological and historical importance in the northwest of England.
Once the heart of the estate, the Old Hall survives as its oldest building, and a costumed guided tour takes you on an evocative journey through its history as a dwelling place - from manor house to humble cottages. Built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, the single story great hall, dimly lit by tallow candle and flickering fire still retains the shadowy atmosphere of Tudor times.
The hall's later cross wing reflects the more comfortable early times of the Egerton's 350 year long ownership. As the fortunes and status of the building changed it was turned into cottages for estate workers. Here you can see life as it would have been for a Victorian gamekeeper and his family before you move on to rooms set in 1958, the last year of Egerton ownership. This is no dry lecture of a tour but one full of stories that puts the flesh on the bones of the people who lived here. There are no barriers and visitors can walk through rooms just as if they were real visitors to the families who have lived there, creating an intimacy seldom found in other historic places. Reputedly haunted, the hall can cause a shiver down the backs of some people but it remains a friendly, peaceful place.
The Old Hall is also host to special events where its tranquility is ruffled by such as a busy travelling medieval fair or a re-enactment of Tatton's vital role during the 1940's as well as outdoor theatre and education days that benefit from this unique setting. We welcome children and there is always an element of 'hands on' history for them. Our visitors often say that a tour of the Old Hall is both enjoyable and informative with recommendations for others to follow in their footsteps to explore Tatton's hidden gem.
Please call for details about group and educational visits to the Old Hall on 01625 374428 or 01625 374400.
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