I just came across this video and recognized it immediately. Thankfully today, 2022, Hopwood Hall is being restored. There’s so much to do, and its slow going, but my friend from Michigan, USA, named Hopwood DePree, a Hollywood producer, is heading up the restoration of this, his families old ancestral homestead, along with many volunteers and preservationists. You can follow its progress on his RUclips channel
This video has just been brought to my notice, via a post on facebook. I was brought up in this area and I used to walk through the woods around this house when I was a youngster. Fascinating to watch, and I so much hope that the restoration comes to fruition.
Fantastic!! I couldn’t believe it, wow! All that history anddddd Guy Fawkes!! Oh wow! I do hope that ancestor finds the money to save such a magnificent building. It’s a really appealing design, it surely needs saving. Wow who knew Gu Fawkes walked in those gardens no doubt. Thanks so much Martin.
i seem to remember it only being a Saturday and Sunday. luckily most of the soil in there was only rotted leaves so it was very soft. I don't remember many bricks from the roof in there so I presume they were removed not long after it collapsed
I rebuilt the left hand stone and brick entrance pillar a few years ago after a car run into it and knocked it over if you look you can see the cement is lighter than the right hand one. Another cracking video mate keep them coming.
Fascinating. I came across this video by accident. My memories of Hopwood go back over 50 years when it was part of a teacher training college and some of the rooms of the "Old Hall" as we called it were used as lecture rooms. Sad to see it in such poor condition but good to know that there are plans to restore it.
Hi Martin, you have also blown my mind away because this is the building that I used to go into for lectures when I was training to be a teacher 51 years ago. I wasn't a monk just a Catholic boy from Southern Ireland! We used to enter the building under the huge arched doorway that appears towards the end of the video and then through the small door set in to the big left-hand door of the pair in the archway. I believe this small door is called a wicket gate or just wicket. Years later when I was teaching I went back to visit my old alma mater and found that the student bar had been moved in to the upstairs of the old hall. It was over the gym in the main college in my time there. How sad that the place has been abandoned and wrecked. Looks like some ancient fixtures and fitting have been stolen Thank you Martin for bringing back happy memories for me. I spent three happy years trying to do as little studying as possible in that hall!
Martin, this channel is brilliant. Manchester is my home town, I grew up in Chorlton, and it's fascinating to see the history of this great place. Hopwood Hall is just down the road from where my parents live in Moston and I had no idea that this place existed. Top work, keep it coming.
This bloke is amazing he really does some outstanding videos! Martin that has to be one of the best yet. Its a place to keep an eye on to see how it turns out. Was there any more of that video footage from inside?
Hi. I'm direct descendant of the Winter (Wynter) family who were in the gunpowder plot. Coughton Court and Grafton Manor were also 2 other places where the gunpowder plot was formed down in the Midlands near Hanbury, Worcestershire were the men escaped to and eventually got shit by the cherif of Worcester. Funny thing is is that my dad was from Northumberland and he bought an old farm house in Hanbury and found out it was owned by his ancestors without even knowing. So interesting and thank you for sharing these amazing buildings.
Really interesting history mate....and I just spotted the Chameleons quote at the end, from Second Skin I think. And then of course realised that they were from Middleton too! Nice cryptic touch 👍😎
Wow! amazing video Martin! It's such a shame that a place with such history is in such a state, left to wreck and ruin 😯 hopefully it will be refurbished to its former glory one day. Thanks Martin
Hi Neil. Its a total tragedy that its like that. But it has been for years. What was the quality like Neil. Ive just run it through and RUclips haven't processed it into HD quality yet. Usually a short delay
It's incredible that in our country we're never too far from from wonderful places like this. In that respect we are very lucky. Another excellent episode - thanks for posting.
Another fantastic installment mate, so well put together! Imagine being able to chat with the walls in that place and listen to them tell you all they've seen over the years. It's tragic how places like this fall into disrepair, I'm glad it seems well protected. A bit like the hall in Heaton Park too. There's a place near me called Baguley Hall, its hundreds of years old too. Amazing really.
Hi Lewis. Yeah its criminal the way these places become unloved. Its a cash thing I suppose. Yeah Heaton Park there is another near me called Tongue Hall
Martin I was at Hopwood Hall 1973 to 1976. If you turn right after going through the gates at 13.20, over the little bridge and through the woods, you’ll come to the old mill pond. When I was there, the remnants of the waterwheel were still in the ruins of the mill. From memory we calculated that the diameter of the wheel must have been about 12 feet. If you look on google earth you can see the outline of the old mill about 50 metres to the north of the mini roundabout at the entrance to the college grounds. I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting. Keep up the good work!👍
My Nanna was a cleaner / cook in there in the 60s/70’s when it was used to train teachers. My aunt used to go to work with her in the school holidays & loved exploring the place - especially the secret passage ways xx
Wow fascinating stuff Martin, I send the links to your videos to my Facebook friends, and they always get fantastic reviews and this one will be no different, I find all your urban adventures fascinating so a big thank you from me and don’t ever give up making them
Lovely home, fences are there for a reason. I have seen on other vlogs so many trashed and vandalised places so I am glad someone is protecting this place. Great vlog thank you
Nice 1 Martin, its a nice old place. Hope this Hopwood Dupre' can do somethin. I've never heard of him. One of my pass times is Actors, Movies/Tv and stuff, at 65 nearly [4 months] 66, you gotta have somethin to do. Thanks m8, keep up the good work, you and yours stay safe and well.
Hi Martin, we spoken the other day about the Cadishead viaduct and I'm from the area of irlam....My Gosh! You get around Middleton is the place I'm brought up from and Hopwood Hall I've some fond memories of the woods and the house we used to get into and play Manhaunt
Watched a few of your videos tonight, being a bury lad and under the greater Manchester area I am enjoying them so I have hit the subscribe button, top work and look forward to more.
Fascinating. Our family moved to Hopwood in around 1970. That's the area of Hopwood in Heywood. Spent many afternoons in Hopwood woods. The story of the Hall really is fascinating. I really do hope the development is successful as at least then it will get some TLC. Thanks again for your work on this Martin.
Once again Martin another fantastic video, and I love the music. I personally think you'd make fantastic historic videos touring around the UK, you've got the X Factor personality too host informative videos, your love and enthusiasm you can't buy that so here's hoping until the next time GG
Hello Roy. Great you like my video's even better they are getting as far as Wales. I often wonder how they go down outside of Manchester. How did you "fall over my videos" was it from another video ? Suggested content ?
That’s a great little film it’s a shame how are heritage is left to fall . You should make a trip to little Morton Hall it is a wooden hall about the same age but was never really added to and that’s what the old hopwood would have looked like keep up the good work and merry Christmas
One of the owners of Hopwood was an avid plant collector and brought exotic specimens from all over the world. He planted one hardy example on the estate and it caught on. It caught on a LOT - it was Japanese Knotweed...!
Hi Martin, only just discovered your channel, its so full of interesting facts and information and well presented. Like other people have commented, its such a shame that these wonderful old buildings have been left to rot, hopefully they can be saved before its too late. Keep up the brilliant work ! :-)
Great vidio...did my cross country running there too..about 5 lol Play my football there every week and never even knew about this house..think I'm going to visit..
wow! History, abandoned places, historic buildings, Greater Manchester(ehm.. south Lancashire ;P ), i think i've just found my new favourite channel!! I've never heard of Hopwood hall, i'm not very familiar with the eastern side of Greater Manchester, but i'm very glad you showcased it here. It makes my heart ache to see such beautiful historic buildings lying derelict. and that Guy Falks fact really surprised me! I think we may have a similar taste for Chimneys too lol! There is a very similar place on the opposite side of Manchester nearby Wigan, the equally old and historic Winstanley hall, although i have to say, Hopwood Hall, despite those shocking interior photos, looks to be in a much better shape then Winstanley, which probably dosent have much time left sadly!
Very interesting video Martin! I live very close to Hopwood and the hall, and I am well into local history...Middleton in particular. I also noticed from watching another of your videos that you record your own music...well me too! Great stuff ...keep it up!
@@MartinZero Hi Martin, I have a basic recording setup (computer) and mainly focus on creating my own instrumental versions of some of my favourite songs. I have a youtube channel which you should be able to access by clicking on my profile? (I'm pretty new to this!) If you can, have a listen and let me know what you think!
Hi Martin. I am a new subscriber only just found your channel on RUclips and I am loving your content. I have recently moved away from Middleton after 11 years and your videos are making me miss Manchester even more. I have visited some of the places in your videos and it's really interesting to learn the history of these places. Keep up the good work pal 👍👍👍👍
Very interesting about Hopwood Hall - I've driven past on the bus many times but never ventured close to it. Fascinating, especially about Guy Fawkes. Let's hope they make progress with the renovation. I once visited Rose Hill in Northenden when it was derelict. It was since renovated and now houses apartments. At least with a hotel, people can visit.
Martin Zero. It would be awesome to be able to have a look inside. Maybe you could have a look at Worsley old hall if you've not already done so, or smithills hall in Bolton. Look forward to ya next vid, mate.👍
Just watched your Hopwood Hall film. As usual very good and informative. Thanks very much. Mcr and surrounding boroughs have such a powerful Victorian heritage it can take up all of the bandwidth for other heritage. I hope the American or the local council preserve such a historical site, even the alpaccas and ostriches. Those beams, cruck-frames (?) Look amazing. The building looks Tudor/Jacobean in part then part Georgian/Victorian. Tudor chimneys were often round, like barley-sugar columns. Ordsall, Wythenshawe, Clayton and Baguley have their halls as you know so Manchester isn't all Victoriana. Agecroft had it's Hall but was parcelled off to the States!Radcliffe has it's Tower, Bury it's castle and Kersall it's Cell. It was a monastic building, Cluniac, a daughter church from the mother abbey church at Lenton in Leicester until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries.I believe when they constructed the Metrolink to the Etihad Campus home of Manchester City Football Club, where they constructed the turn-back for empty vehicles awaiting duty they came upon the remains of Bradford Hall and timbers from the 1300's which basically lies under the turn-back. P.S. in your inquiry and what got numerous replies from viewers about train lines usually approaching Mcr on viaducts. In contrast, if it gets built, HS2 will he in tunnel from the Airport to Picc. Largely passing under Mcr's southern parishes. ☺.
Top draw video bro, I know those woods like the back of my hand from being a nipper...top video bro...crack on 👍you have got a great channel going tomcat..I'm a Middletonian
Another great video, Martin - really enjoying these. I’m originally from Heywood and have been through Hopwood Woods on many occasions. I was interested to hear of the Guy Fawkes connection to Hopwood Hall - Heywood is more commonly known for its connection to Peter Heywood of Heywood Hall who was the man that arrested Guy Fawkes as he was in the process of lighting the fuse under Parliament. It looks like different areas of the parish were on different sides!
Lord Byron also visited Hopwood Hall a piece from Middletonia, see below; Edward Gregge took over Hopwood in 1773 on the death of the widow Mary Hopwood and assumed the name Hopwood by act of Parliament. Dr Robert Hopwood probably regarded Edward as an adopted son as he was twenty years his junior and had served as his substitute in the King's army in 1745. When Edward Gregge-Hopwood died in 1798, his son Robert succeeded him at Hopwood. The new squire was a good friend of Lord Byron. Lord George Gordon Byron became Lord of the Manor of Rochdale from 1808-1823. He was known to be an "intimate friend of Robert Gregge-Hopwood." In 1811 Lord Byron resided at Hopwood Hall while he concluded the settlement of the Byron family estate in Rochdale. It is also rumoured that while residing at Hopwood Hall he drafted his most famous poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage'. Written by Mr Dennis Horner. Submitted March 2009 www.middletonia.co.uk/localhistory/hopwoods.html
Another great video Martin, nice bit of history from a pretty atmospheric location. If the ice house is a similar design to the one at Heaton Hall/Park it will basically just be a big round hole in the ground with some form of steps, it up near the Top car park by the playground with a walkway by it. I wonder if that's the ice house which is part of the sunken garden you mention??? Take it easy mate, I look forward to the next video. Dave.
Hi Dave, thanks a lot mate. Ive never seen the Ice house at Heaton Park. Although Ive since seen a pic of the Hopwood Hall Ice house and yes its a round shaft
the hopwood ice house is about a 5 minute walk away from the hall. I was part of the team that dug it out many years back. its in nearby lords wood, pretty much next to the old boating lake
My Great Grandfather was 'Lady' Hopwood's Smoke Inspector. Lady is in quotation marks because, although of aristocratic birth she was not a 'Lady' but all the locals called her 'Lady'. She was quite a pioneer in her day. She campaigned for the introduction of the 'Clean Air Act' and was very influential and had great success. My Great Grandfather would inspect factories and suggest ways they could reduce the pollution they caused from their smoking factory chimneys. I have a walking stick, carved with his name and taken from a branch of a tree in Hopwood woods.
Hi Ian thanks, thats a great story. I have a lot of respect for the rich and privileged at the time that campaigned for better working conditions or that had altruistic motives. You need to treasure that stick 👍
My auntie Kit used to tell us that Hopwood Hall was owned by our family. Sadly she's passed away now and I can't recall her reasoning behind the statement. She also said claimed 'we' owned a lot of central Manchester, but again I can't recall why. Great video, thanks a lot.
Such a shame buildings like this have been left to decay. Death duties could have been one reason it was abandoned on top of the running costs. All houses should be lived in. Thank you for showing this.
Martin Zero Indeed. I did a short spell at Hopwood College a good few years ago. We used to go wandering around the hall being inquisitive nosey teenagers. I never knew or realised how old the house, and its foundations really was. It would be amazing if the Hopwood Hall does get restored. Another reason to appreciate Middleton's heritage. Its has such an enchanting air about it. Fabulous video, Martin. Definitely one of my favourites you have covered.
I just came across this video and recognized it immediately. Thankfully today, 2022, Hopwood Hall is being restored. There’s so much to do, and its slow going, but my friend from Michigan, USA, named Hopwood DePree, a Hollywood producer, is heading up the restoration of this, his families old ancestral homestead, along with many volunteers and preservationists. You can follow its progress on his RUclips channel
That's great news. Incredible place with so much history.
This video has just been brought to my notice, via a post on facebook. I was brought up in this area and I used to walk through the woods around this house when I was a youngster. Fascinating to watch, and I so much hope that the restoration comes to fruition.
I've been watching Hopwood Depree's renovation of this building, so glad since you found it that restoration has been going on.
Fantastic!! I couldn’t believe it, wow! All that history anddddd Guy Fawkes!! Oh wow! I do hope that ancestor finds the money to save such a magnificent building. It’s a really appealing design, it surely needs saving. Wow who knew Gu Fawkes walked in those gardens no doubt. Thanks so much Martin.
I know, I was blown away
The ice house is next to the lake. Lived around here and accessed this house 20 years ago. Great to see it again. Thanks
lords wood. I helped dig all the soil out of the icehouse many years back 🤣
@@northerncounties1392 nice one. Bet that was back breaking. How long did it take
i seem to remember it only being a Saturday and Sunday. luckily most of the soil in there was only rotted leaves so it was very soft. I don't remember many bricks from the roof in there so I presume they were removed not long after it collapsed
In my school we watched your vidioe because we are learning about the Hopwood Hall
Really ? !!! what all the class ?
I rebuilt the left hand stone and brick entrance pillar a few years ago after a car run into it and knocked it over if you look you can see the cement is lighter than the right hand one. Another cracking video mate keep them coming.
Nice one Judd and thanks
Fascinating. I came across this video by accident. My memories of Hopwood go back over 50 years when it was part of a teacher training college and some of the rooms of the "Old Hall" as we called it were used as lecture rooms. Sad to see it in such poor condition but good to know that there are plans to restore it.
Hi Martin, you have also blown my mind away because this is the building that I used to go into for lectures when I was training to be a teacher 51 years ago. I wasn't a monk just a Catholic boy from Southern Ireland! We used to enter the building under the huge arched doorway that appears towards the end of the video and then through the small door set in to the big left-hand door of the pair in the archway. I believe this small door is called a wicket gate or just wicket. Years later when I was teaching I went back to visit my old alma mater and found that the student bar had been moved in to the upstairs of the old hall. It was over the gym in the main college in my time there. How sad that the place has been abandoned and wrecked. Looks like some ancient fixtures and fitting have been stolen Thank you Martin for bringing back happy memories for me. I spent three happy years trying to do as little studying as possible in that hall!
Thanks Sean, glad it brought back the good memories 😃👍
I love a hidden house, nice video friend, lovely transitions, great music and a little history. Love it.
Thanks 😊👌
Martin, this channel is brilliant. Manchester is my home town, I grew up in Chorlton, and it's fascinating to see the history of this great place. Hopwood Hall is just down the road from where my parents live in Moston and I had no idea that this place existed. Top work, keep it coming.
Brilliant work Martin. It would be wonderful to have a follow up on this, see if Hopwood has been true to the vision of his ancestors.
This bloke is amazing he really does some outstanding videos! Martin that has to be one of the best yet. Its a place to keep an eye on to see how it turns out. Was there any more of that video footage from inside?
Hi Gary thanks very much. Yes if you google Hopwood hall look for the MEN result and the video is on there. I just omitted the talking bits 👍
Hi Martin.
I've just stumbled upon you site.
Absolutely brilliant.
Going to have great Sunday watching your videos.
Keep up the great work.
Love your shows, Martin. Thanks for all you do.
Hi. I'm direct descendant of the Winter (Wynter) family who were in the gunpowder plot. Coughton Court and Grafton Manor were also 2 other places where the gunpowder plot was formed down in the Midlands near Hanbury, Worcestershire were the men escaped to and eventually got shit by the cherif of Worcester. Funny thing is is that my dad was from Northumberland and he bought an old farm house in Hanbury and found out it was owned by his ancestors without even knowing. So interesting and thank you for sharing these amazing buildings.
Thank you Lucia, great story 👍
Another great video Martin 👍
Great story Hopwood hall needs lots of love and care thanks Martin. John Rooney
It does John
Really interesting history mate....and I just spotted the Chameleons quote at the end, from Second Skin I think. And then of course realised that they were from Middleton too! Nice cryptic touch 👍😎
Wow what a neat old place. And it’s so old. Thank you
Wow! amazing video Martin! It's such a shame that a place with such history is in such a state, left to wreck and ruin 😯 hopefully it will be refurbished to its former glory one day. Thanks Martin
Hi Neil. Its a total tragedy that its like that. But it has been for years. What was the quality like Neil. Ive just run it through and RUclips haven't processed it into HD quality yet. Usually a short delay
Yeah i noticed the quality wasn't as good but I streaming it to my TV and it was fine
Ok it will probably be in HD soon. It goes up in draft mode early on, then gets processed to 1080p
It's incredible that in our country we're never too far from from wonderful places like this. In that respect we are very lucky. Another excellent episode - thanks for posting.
Yeah its an incredible place, thanks Paul
Another fantastic installment mate, so well put together! Imagine being able to chat with the walls in that place and listen to them tell you all they've seen over the years. It's tragic how places like this fall into disrepair, I'm glad it seems well protected. A bit like the hall in Heaton Park too. There's a place near me called Baguley Hall, its hundreds of years old too. Amazing really.
Hi Lewis. Yeah its criminal the way these places become unloved. Its a cash thing I suppose. Yeah Heaton Park there is another near me called Tongue Hall
Martin I was at Hopwood Hall 1973 to 1976. If you turn right after going through the gates at 13.20, over the little bridge and through the woods, you’ll come to the old mill pond. When I was there, the remnants of the waterwheel were still in the ruins of the mill. From memory we calculated that the diameter of the wheel must have been about 12 feet. If you look on google earth you can see the outline of the old mill about 50 metres to the north of the mini roundabout at the entrance to the college grounds. I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting. Keep up the good work!👍
I was at Hopwood 1974 -77. Had a great time
Ah, if walls could speak. Loved the video Martin. Please keep us updated on further developments
Thanks Charles
Such a beautiful and stately mansion! Thank you for showing this place to us Martin. It will be wonderful to see it restored.
great video love the old stately homes thanks matin. beryl
I love your passion and appreciation for English history and architecture!
Thank you
Amazing video, fantastic building really appreciate the history and information
My Nanna was a cleaner / cook in there in the 60s/70’s when it was used to train teachers. My aunt used to go to work with her in the school holidays & loved exploring the place - especially the secret passage ways xx
Hi Tina, thats cool, bet it was in better nick then as well. Yeah I heard there are passageways in there 👍
What was your nannas name as l worked there at that time
Wow fascinating stuff Martin, I send the links to your videos to my Facebook friends, and they always get fantastic reviews and this one will be no different, I find all your urban adventures fascinating so a big thank you from me and don’t ever give up making them
Hi Martin. Another very well told video. Story telling is something that just comes naturally to you. Thumbs up!
Hi Lucy thank you, great to hear from you hope your well. 👍💖
As always amazing & informative Martin
Found you thru the Silver Foxes. I love how passionate you are about the history of this manor. You make it very interesting!
Thank you Jo Ann glad you found me and hope you enjoy the other videos
One of the best hidden gems you have found yet Martin .... Love it.
Thanks David. Am hoping to get in one day
You may get chance now you are in touch with Hopwood XIV!
I recognise your name in my Sutcliffe family tree Mr Bickerdike
I enjoyed watching this thank you for taking the time to research the house.
Thanks you
Lovely home, fences are there for a reason. I have seen on other vlogs so many trashed and vandalised places so I am glad someone is protecting this place. Great vlog thank you
Thanks Wendy, yes amazing place
Hi Martin another video made full of enthusiasm by yourself keep up the good work.
Thanks very much Martin
Nice 1 Martin, its a nice old place. Hope this Hopwood Dupre' can do somethin. I've never heard of him. One of my pass times is Actors, Movies/Tv and stuff, at 65 nearly [4 months] 66, you gotta have somethin to do. Thanks m8, keep up the good work, you and yours stay safe and well.
Thanks so much for this
I walk past this weekly and never knew how old she was , thanks so much keep up the brilliant work !
Hi Lewis, yes the age on this thing is staggering 👍😀
Nice video , keep them coming. Thanks for sharing
Great video, do you know what happened to this lovely building in 2022. Regards
Check out the RUclips site
Hopwood XIV
Hi Martin, we spoken the other day about the Cadishead viaduct and I'm from the area of irlam....My Gosh! You get around Middleton is the place I'm brought up from and Hopwood Hall I've some fond memories of the woods and the house we used to get into and play Manhaunt
Hi John those woods are actually beautiful. I never realised just how
Thanks for the great video Martin 👍 is it still like that.? Hopefully they have kept the rain out of there
Watched a few of your videos tonight, being a bury lad and under the greater Manchester area I am enjoying them so I have hit the subscribe button, top work and look forward to more.
Hi Steve. Bury eh not far from me 👍 Chuffed your liking the videos and thanks for subscribing much appreciated 😀
Fascinating.
Our family moved to Hopwood in around 1970. That's the area of Hopwood in Heywood.
Spent many afternoons in Hopwood woods.
The story of the Hall really is fascinating.
I really do hope the development is successful as at least then it will get some TLC. Thanks again for your work on this Martin.
Thanks Christopher. I used to run by it in 1979 on cross country and never looked twice 😀
Once again Martin another fantastic video, and I love the music. I personally think you'd make fantastic historic videos touring around the UK, you've got the X Factor personality too host informative videos, your love and enthusiasm you can't buy that so here's hoping until the next time
GG
Thanks Graham very much. I do intend to go further afield
Cheers from the U.S.! Wonderful video, great research and presentation. Brilliant history lesson. Subscribed! Thank you.
Hi Martin. I'm from north Wales and I fell over one of your vids. Really good stuff very interesting keep it going.
Hello Roy. Great you like my video's even better they are getting as far as Wales. I often wonder how they go down outside of Manchester. How did you "fall over my videos" was it from another video ? Suggested content ?
That’s a great little film it’s a shame how are heritage is left to fall . You should make a trip to little Morton Hall it is a wooden hall about the same age but was never really added to and that’s what the old hopwood would have looked like keep up the good work and merry Christmas
Hi Brian Thanks and merry Christmas to you
Ìp000ķ
well martin that was very interesting and the films from HOPWOOD were wonderful
Awesome video and so much info, thanks for sharing
Thanks very much 👍
One of the owners of Hopwood was an avid plant collector and brought exotic specimens from all over the world. He planted one hardy example on the estate and it caught on. It caught on a LOT - it was Japanese Knotweed...!
Liked and shared, more of this please.
Thanks Scott 👍
Hi Martin, only just discovered your channel, its so full of interesting facts and information and well presented. Like other people have commented, its such a shame that these wonderful old buildings have been left to rot, hopefully they can be saved before its too late. Keep up the brilliant work ! :-)
Hi Steve, thanks very much for the comment. Its totally criminal the things we have lost and the buildings that stand rotting 👍
Great vidio...did my cross country running there too..about 5 lol
Play my football there every week and never even knew about this house..think I'm going to visit..
Hi Phill you should go see it. Its a bit tucked away but amazing. The woods are lovely to 👌
wow! History, abandoned places, historic buildings, Greater Manchester(ehm.. south Lancashire ;P ), i think i've just found my new favourite channel!!
I've never heard of Hopwood hall, i'm not very familiar with the eastern side of Greater Manchester, but i'm very glad you showcased it here. It makes my heart ache to see such beautiful historic buildings lying derelict. and that Guy Falks fact really surprised me!
I think we may have a similar taste for Chimneys too lol!
There is a very similar place on the opposite side of Manchester nearby Wigan, the equally old and historic Winstanley hall, although i have to say, Hopwood Hall, despite those shocking interior photos, looks to be in a much better shape then Winstanley, which probably dosent have much time left sadly!
Hi Adam, I think he is still cracking on with the renovation of the hall
another amazing video - thank you
Hi Jimmii thanks very much 👍
Very interesting video Martin! I live very close to Hopwood and the hall, and I am well into local history...Middleton in particular. I also noticed from watching another of your videos that you record your own music...well me too! Great stuff ...keep it up!
Hi Chris I only do basic stuff. What do you do ?
@@MartinZero Hi Martin, I have a basic recording setup (computer) and mainly focus on creating my own instrumental versions of some of my favourite songs. I have a youtube channel which you should be able to access by clicking on my profile? (I'm pretty new to this!) If you can, have a listen and let me know what you think!
@@chrismcdonagh5108 Ok will do
Great stuff👍
Very Interesting, as Well as Awesome, Thank You
Hi Martin. I am a new subscriber only just found your channel on RUclips and I am loving your content. I have recently moved away from Middleton after 11 years and your videos are making me miss Manchester even more. I have visited some of the places in your videos and it's really interesting to learn the history of these places. Keep up the good work pal 👍👍👍👍
Hi Ben thanks very much. Your from Middleton ?
Wow another fascinating video, good stuff
Very interesting about Hopwood Hall - I've driven past on the bus many times but never ventured close to it. Fascinating, especially about Guy Fawkes. Let's hope they make progress with the renovation. I once visited Rose Hill in Northenden when it was derelict. It was since renovated and now houses apartments. At least with a hotel, people can visit.
Yes Id love to go Back Aidan and maybe take a look inside
Excellent vid mate. Gonna check it out myself. Cant believe never heard of it👍
Ned kelly Hi Ned. The woods is great it’s just a pity you can’t get so close to the house
Martin Zero. It would be awesome to be able to have a look inside. Maybe you could have a look at Worsley old hall if you've not already done so, or smithills hall in Bolton. Look forward to ya next vid, mate.👍
Guy fawkes blew my mind too every bonfire night
Excellent videos, new subscriber and glad I found your channel
Thank you very much Lee
Just watched your Hopwood Hall film. As usual very good and informative. Thanks very much. Mcr and surrounding boroughs have such a powerful Victorian heritage it can take up all of the bandwidth for other heritage. I hope the American or the local council preserve such a historical site, even the alpaccas and ostriches. Those beams, cruck-frames (?) Look amazing. The building looks Tudor/Jacobean in part then part Georgian/Victorian. Tudor chimneys were often round, like barley-sugar columns. Ordsall, Wythenshawe, Clayton and Baguley have their halls as you know so Manchester isn't all Victoriana. Agecroft had it's Hall but was parcelled off to the States!Radcliffe has it's Tower, Bury it's castle and Kersall it's Cell. It was a monastic building, Cluniac, a daughter church from the mother abbey church at Lenton in Leicester until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries.I believe when they constructed the Metrolink to the Etihad Campus home of Manchester City Football Club, where they constructed the turn-back for empty vehicles awaiting duty they came upon the remains of Bradford Hall and timbers from the 1300's which basically lies under the turn-back.
P.S. in your inquiry and what got numerous replies from viewers about train lines usually approaching Mcr on viaducts. In contrast, if it gets built, HS2 will he in tunnel from the Airport to Picc. Largely passing under Mcr's southern parishes. ☺.
Hi Mark I think the American is cracking on with the work. Interesting about HST 2
Top draw video bro, I know those woods like the back of my hand from being a nipper...top video bro...crack on
👍you have got a great channel going tomcat..I'm a Middletonian
What an amazing place!
What a great grand ramshackle!!
Any recent action on the hotel idea?
Still a work in progress Jim
Check out the RUclips site
Hopwood XIV
Another great video, Martin - really enjoying these.
I’m originally from Heywood and have been through Hopwood Woods on many occasions. I was interested to hear of the Guy Fawkes connection to Hopwood Hall - Heywood is more commonly known for its connection to Peter Heywood of Heywood Hall who was the man that arrested Guy Fawkes as he was in the process of lighting the fuse under Parliament. It looks like different areas of the parish were on different sides!
Love it. Amazing
Lord Byron also visited Hopwood Hall a piece from Middletonia, see below;
Edward Gregge took over Hopwood in 1773 on the death of the widow Mary Hopwood and assumed the name Hopwood by act of Parliament. Dr Robert Hopwood probably regarded Edward as an adopted son as he was twenty years his junior and had served as his substitute in the King's army in 1745. When Edward Gregge-Hopwood died in 1798, his son Robert succeeded him at Hopwood. The new squire was a good friend of Lord Byron.
Lord George Gordon Byron became Lord of the Manor of Rochdale from 1808-1823. He was known to be an "intimate friend of Robert Gregge-Hopwood." In 1811 Lord Byron resided at Hopwood Hall while he concluded the settlement of the Byron family estate in Rochdale. It is also rumoured that while residing at Hopwood Hall he drafted his most famous poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage'.
Written by Mr Dennis Horner. Submitted March 2009 www.middletonia.co.uk/localhistory/hopwoods.html
nice 🙂 some research
I played tennis there once,it was SPLENDID.
Very interesting 👍
Thank you
Nice video Martin, one of our friends was studying at the hall many years ago 👍
Oh yeah it was a teacher training college
Another great video Martin, nice bit of history from a pretty atmospheric location. If the ice house is a similar design to the one at Heaton Hall/Park it will basically just be a big round hole in the ground with some form of steps, it up near the Top car park by the playground with a walkway by it. I wonder if that's the ice house which is part of the sunken garden you mention??? Take it easy mate, I look forward to the next video. Dave.
Hi Dave, thanks a lot mate. Ive never seen the Ice house at Heaton Park. Although Ive since seen a pic of the Hopwood Hall Ice house and yes its a round shaft
the hopwood ice house is about a 5 minute walk away from the hall. I was part of the team that dug it out many years back. its in nearby lords wood, pretty much next to the old boating lake
Recently subscribed to you. Been living here for almost 7 years (my other half is from Manchester). We love you vids...keep an coming👍👍
Shane. Thanks very much for watching and subscribing. Really appreciate it. 😃👍
Hi Martin, another great video. I'm sure Granada Reports did a piece on this a few months ago.
Hi Tony, That would have been good to see, was it about The American guy also
Yes, as I remember they did an interview with him.
My Great Grandfather was 'Lady' Hopwood's Smoke Inspector. Lady is in quotation marks because, although of aristocratic birth she was not a 'Lady' but all the locals called her 'Lady'.
She was quite a pioneer in her day. She campaigned for the introduction of the 'Clean Air Act' and was very influential and had great success.
My Great Grandfather would inspect factories and suggest ways they could reduce the pollution they caused from their smoking factory chimneys.
I have a walking stick, carved with his name and taken from a branch of a tree in Hopwood woods.
Hi Ian thanks, thats a great story. I have a lot of respect for the rich and privileged at the time that campaigned for better working conditions or that had altruistic motives. You need to treasure that stick 👍
Hello Martin, do you have any more news on Hopwood Hall ??
No Ron. Be nice to see whats happening
I happened to watch this on 5th November. Just a coinsidence. Beautiful old woodwork.
Guy Fawkes 😀👍
Amazing
I am hooked love your vids
Thank you Julie 😃👍
Loved this episode 🤘😎🤘.
My auntie Kit used to tell us that Hopwood Hall was owned by our family. Sadly she's passed away now and I can't recall her reasoning behind the statement. She also said claimed 'we' owned a lot of central Manchester, but again I can't recall why. Great video, thanks a lot.
Any relation to the Ducie family ? Or Moseley ?
Wow the inside of this house is beautiful please i hope it gets properly restored
Gosh thanks what a beautiful hall, so delighted the American gentleman ancester is going to rescue it, a hotel would be wonderful. I wish him well.
i love the music I want to go ..thank u it takes me away from my "reality" thank u Martin
Thanks Jim
Such a shame buildings like this have been left to decay. Death duties could have been one reason it was abandoned on top of the running costs. All houses should be lived in. Thank you for showing this.
Thanks Sophie such a wonderful building
Fascinating Martin!!! What a grand old place that is!!! Thank you.
Just incredible, I cannot imagine growing up in a place like that
gud to see these places restored! i love that area!
Hi Martin, the ice house is in the woods on the far side of the hall, the Rochdale Road side. It's shown on OS Maps.
Hi Corrine thanks for the info am hoping to look for it when the weather is nicer
Hello, enjoyed the video, any recent follow up to this house?
my wife is from middleton and remembers going there as a 6year old she now lives in devon
Hi Martin
There is a lot of progress in the last 8 months if you liaise with Hopwood who is totally dedicated to the project he may grant you a tour
Well done that man,I used to live in Heywood but i never new that it existed,can you do an update please?😊
Fascinating!
Hello, thank you, its a fab place isn't it
Martin Zero Indeed. I did a short spell at Hopwood College a good few years ago. We used to go wandering around the hall being inquisitive nosey teenagers. I never knew or realised how old the house, and its foundations really was.
It would be amazing if the Hopwood Hall does get restored. Another reason to appreciate Middleton's heritage. Its has such an enchanting air about it.
Fabulous video, Martin. Definitely one of my favourites you have covered.