DiCamillo Companion
England

Little Moreton Hall (Moreton Old Hall) (Old Moreton Hall)

Odd Rode, near Congleton

Cheshire

England

Circa Date: 1504-99 w/17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century alterations and additions

Status: Fully Extant

House Open to Public: Yes

Country House: Yes

This house has been used for TV and Film

The house from a circa 1897 postcard

The Elizabethan Fayre from a 1914 postcard.

Circa 1920 Royal Doulton jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. This scene shows the queen in procession with a jester. In a private collection. Image used by permission.

Circa 1920 Royal Doulton jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.

Top of circa 1920 Royal Doulton jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.

Bottom of circa 1920 Royal Doulton jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.

  • Built / Designed For: William Moreton

    House & Family History: The half-timbered Little Moreton Hall remained in the ownership of the Moreton family until the early 20th century; Bishop Charles Thomas Abraham, the house's last owner (he was a member of the family), donated Little Moreton to the National Trust in 1938. Between June 17 and 20, 1914 a now-famous “Elizabethean Fayre” was held at Little Moreton Hall (see “Images” section). Organized as a fundraiser for local parish schools, the pageant included a fete on the grounds and a series of tableaux that were performed in the house. These celebrations were based on the mistaken belief that that Queen Elizabeth I had visited Little Moreton in 1589 (see “Images” section for photos of an early 20th century Royal Doulton jug celebrating the supposed visit of the queen).

    Comments: Little Moreton is considered one of the most important timber-framed moated manor houses in England.

  • Garden & Outbuildings: At its greatest extent, in the mid-16th century, the Little Moreton Estate spanned 1,360 acres and contained orchards, gardens, and a corn mill.

    Chapel & Church: The chapel is extant.

  • Country Life: XV, 594, 1904. LXVI, 754, 798, 1929.

  • Title: Movie Locations: A Guide to Britain & Ireland
    Author: Adams, Mark
    Year Published: 2000
    Publisher: London: Boxtree
    ISBN: 0752271695
    Book Type: Softback

  • House Listed: Grade I

    Park Listed: Not Listed

  • "Civilisation" (1969 - BBC TV series, episode 6, "Protest and Communication"). Lady Jane" (1985 - as a brothel). "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders" (1996 - TV mini series, as an Inn). "Building of Britain" (2002 - TV documentary series).

  • Past Seat / Home of: William Moreton, early 16th century; William Moreton III, 17th century; Sister Elizabeth Moreton, 1892-1912; Moreton family here from circa 1500 until 1912. Bishop Charles Thomas Abraham, 1912-38. Thomas Dale (tenant), late 19th century; Dale family here from circa 1880 until 1955.

    Current Ownership Type: The National Trust

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

  • House Open to Public: Yes

    Phone: 01260-272-018

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No

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