Listed Building record MDR536 - Ford Hall, north of Slackhall, Chapel-en-le-Frith

(SK 0762 8222) Ford Hall. (1) Ford Hall. The core is early 17th century but the rest of this irregular, two-storey, stone building is 18th, 19th and 20th century. It has an eight-window front, pedimented entrance, slate roofs and stone stacks. Inside there is some moulded plaster-work and 18th century panelling. Grade II*. The 18th century stone stables and the probably early-19th century outbuildings are Grade II. (2) Ford Hall. Converted into three dwellings. c. 1681, early 18th century and late 19th century. Restored c. 1960s. Grade II. (Full account in Listed buildings volume). (3) Existed by 1222 and was rebuilt in stone c. 1580. (4) The ancient ford gave its name to the hall as long ago as 1222, but the exact date of its founding is unknown. The then hall would be a long, low, barn-like building constructed with half timbers, typical of the Medieval homesteads of the time. Nothing of this building is preserved today [1911]. The earliest direct evidence of structural changes to the existing structure at Ford Hall occurs from the reign of Henry VIII. The wing to the north-east is Elizabethan, but the division wall between the offices and kitchen is an outside wall in character and has early Tudor windows. The hall was rebuilt c. 1575-1585 and then extended in 1678; a lintel above the door bearing this date. In 1728, the south-west wing was demolished and a 'beautiful example of Italian architecture built in its place'. In the 19th century, the gothic-wing and present main entrance were added. (5)