The foundations of the Ordsall we see today were largely defined in the late nineteenth century. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, which runs from Liverpool to Salford Quays, saw Ordsall become home to thousands of dock workers and their families.

A rapid increase in population, hardly exceeded anywhere else in the country, was reflected in the vast areas of imposing Victorian housing built, many of which are still standing in Ordsall.



This incredibly vibrant community was home to so many children that Rudman Street, with just 60 houses at the northern end of the village, became known as The Street of 1,000 Children!

At the heart of Ordsall’s heritage is the magnificent Grade-I listed building. With parts dating back over 820 years, the building is widely accepted as the region’s finest example of a Tudor black and white half timbered manor hall.

Formerly the family home of the Radclyffe family, the hall is steeped in myth. Legend has it this was where Guy Fawkes hatched his plan to blow up Parliament and the building is said to be haunted by “The White Lady”, a former resident who threw herself off the balcony overlooking the Great Hall.

For the last 35 years this magnificent building has been open to the public as a local history museum attracting a large number of visitors each year.

In 2009, a major restoration project began thanks to a £4.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Over the next two years substantial conservation works will take place opening up parts of the hall never before seen by the public. The grounds will also be extensively landscaped.

Once completed, Ordsall Hall will truly become the hub of the community once again, as it was when the noble Tudor Radclyffe family were in residence.

The famous Edwardian Salford Lads Club as immortalised on the cover of The Smiths 1986 album “The Queen is Dead” can be found on the Western side of the Ordsall Estate.

Founded in 1905 the Club was the inspiration for Baden-Powell to establish the Scout Movement. For over 100 years the club has been a vibrant recreational facility for youngsters in the area and is currently undergoing a £1m restoration.



Former members include the actor Albert Finney and Alan Clarke, the lead singer of 60s pop group The Hollies. A number of Manchester City and Manchester United players also attended the club.