Local dignitaries treated to guided tour around historic Hopwood Hall estate

Local dignitaries were treated to a rare glimpse inside the historic Grade-II* listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton on Thursday (30 August).

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council Allen Brett, Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd, Liz McInnes MP for Heywood and Middleton, Castleton councillor Billy Sheerin and Mayor Mohammed Zaman were given a guided tour of the derelict stately home by Hopwood DePree, whose ancestors lived in the hall.

Hopwood DePree, an actor/producer from Los Angeles, has an exclusive legal agreement with the council to enable him to have up to five years to rescue the 12th century manor before he assumes full possession of his ancestral home, which has lay vacant for 30 years and is now on Historic England’s 'At Risk' register.

The old hall dates back to feudal days, and still retains many structural and architectural features from the 14th century right until present day, including some of the earliest English Gothic intricate wood carvings and elaborate ornate fireplaces.

Part of one, the Byron Fireplace, is thought to have been gifted by the noble and installed by renowned Middleton architect, Edgar Wood.

Some famous names who visited Hopwood Hall over the centuries include Guy Fawkes, who visited Edmund Hopwood, a witch hunter, when he was in Manchester planning the Gunpowder Plot, and Lord Bryon, who stayed at the Hall in 1811.

Mayor Mohammed Zaman said: “It was fantastic to visit Hopwood Hall and see this marvellous 12th century Grade-II*listed building, that takes us back in to old times.

This building has huge potential and I am very pleased to see that plans are sought to revive this historical Hall.

“Due to its location, it can be a fantastic venue for conferences, weddings and other cultural events.

“I hope De Pree’s dream and ambition to bring this Hall back into use will see reality.”

Councillor Brett said: “The visit brought back memories from 1966 to 1969 when I was there training to be a teacher and did geography in the old hall, as well as drinking in the bar.”

Hopwood DePree said: "We were thrilled to be able to host such an esteemed group at Hopwood Hall Estate today. The discussions, ideas and questions were inspiring, and it is wonderful to feel so much support for the rescue efforts. We will continue to seek their input and look forward to inviting them back regularly as we make progress." 

Tony Lloyd MP commented: “Hopwood Hall is part of Rochdale borough’s history and it is a tragedy that neglect has left it in the state it is, but the work between Hopwood DePree and Rochdale Council is offering new hope for its future. It would be great to think that the house where one of our great poets, Lord Byron, worked on one of his own great works, could be brought back into use. Hopwood Hall has the potential to be one of the great buildings in this part of the North, part of our living history, and part of the growing tourist offer for Rochdale and beyond.”

Liz McInnes MP agreed, she said: “It was fascinating to see first-hand Hopwood Hall and I’m grateful to Hopwood DePree for showing myself, Tony Lloyd MP and Council Leader Allen Brett around. The estate is clearly in need of a great deal of care and investment and in the years to come it would be great to see this historic site restored to something like its original state.”

Councillor Sheerin said: “Hopwood Hall is an absolutely amazing place and I didn’t realise how much heritage and history it has, nor how it had got into such a dreadful state.

“It shouldn’t have happened to such a valuable property, which is up there with other buildings of the past. It was a privilege to walk around a place stepped in such history, that has been hidden for all these years.

“It deserves preserving and it is being now, thanks to Hopwood DePree, whom I have lots of admiration for. Any support he needs we will give to him on this long and admirable journey.”