Heritage

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!

Ordsall Hall

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.

Since the mid-1980s this magnificent building has been open to the public as a local history museum attracting a large number of visitors each year.

In May 2011 the hall reopened following a £4.1m restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Substantial conservation works have taken place to rennovate the building opening up parts of the hall never before seen by the public. In addition, the grounds have been extensively landscaped.

Salford Lads’ & Girls’ Club

For over 100 years the club has been a vibrant recreational facility for youngsters in the area and is currently undergoing a £1m restoration, supported by LPC Living.

Founded in 1903 the iconic Edwardian Salford Lads Club acted as the inspiration for Baden-Powell to establish the worldwide Scout Movement.

More recently the club has become synonymous with the singer Morrisey and The Smiths having appeared on the cover of their 1986 album “The Queen is Dead”.

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.