Monument record 584/2 - Southworth Hall

The Manors of Southworth and Croft were held by different tenures of the lords of Makerfield. Croft appears to have been more important, as it gave its name to the lord, who also held Southworth. Before 1219, Southworth was granted to Gilbert, son of Hugh de Croft, who assumed the name Southworth and was the founder of the Southworth family which held the Manor of Southworth and Croft until the beginning of the 17th century. The remaining part of Croft was later acquired by the Southworth family. From this time, Southworth and Croft have descended together as a joint township known as Southworth-with-Croft. Sir Thomas Ireland of Bewsey purchased Southworth and Croft in 1621, the reason for the collapse of the Southworth family being the forfeits they suffered because they were Catholics (1) and (2). Southworth Hall, existing in the time of Henry VI, a wood, plaster and brick pile, is now a farmhouse, part of which was a Catholic chapel in the time of Elizabeth (3). Present building (farmhouse) erected 1932, on the site and incorporating the remains of the former hall (4). Two story brown brick house, incorporating portions of former porch and central fireplace. Formerly Grade III. Full architectural description (5). History of the Southworths in Croft (6).

<1> Farrer W & Brownbill J, 1906-14, The Victoria County History of the County of Lancaster, 4/168 1911 (Book). SCH3636.

<2> Carter G A, 1971, Warrington and the Mid-Mersey Valley, /53-55 (Book). SCH3679.

<3> Baines, Edward, 1868-91, The History of The County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster, Baines E 1836 3/631 (Book). SCH1442.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ69SW14/1959 (Index). SCH2487.

<5> Department for the Environment, Various, Provisional List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /4/2/8 1962 (Report). SCH2744.

<6> Keery R, 1992, Historic Culcheth - The Story of a Village, 65-72 (Book). SCH1359.