The end of Moston history..?

Moston’s historic flats land – Hough Hall up for development

Another part of an historic suburb of Manchester is likely to be turned into a block of flats as it goes to auction with an estimate of £150,000.

Thousands of people in the small run-down town last year demanded crumbling 500 year old farmhouse – called Hough Hall – was rescued from being knocked down.

More than 6000 residents supported a campaign some time ago to stop the Grade 11 listed building collapsing after decades of neglect.

And, in a way, they might have got what they wished for… except it is being marketed as a development opportunity.

The auction details describe it as a “dilapidated Character Building and Site”.

It is dilapidated, yes … but it is much more than that. It is a Tardis of the history of Moston, once a thriving mill and brick-making area – a place known too for its linen and lace making, dye works, tanneries, print works and breweries.

But Hough Hall was also the home to one of Britain’s unsung heroes of art, the man who helped change the face of modern video, Roger Barnard.

The tragic story of his life and love was played out against the background of this beautiful black and white Tudor farmhouse which stand a few yards away from the bustling Moston Lane and behind an impressive Victorian school.

Last year the campaign caused so much interest in Moston that the original story by journalist Leigh G Banks was banned by Facebook for over-sharing.

Despite the interest though, Manchester City Council said at the time there was nothing they could do to protect near-derelict Hough Hall.

And, shockingly Historic England, which curates the UK’s history, referred the Leigh back to the council when they were approached for help.

https://leighgbankspreservationsociety.blog/time-to-get-in-a-huff-over-towns-hall-of-sadness/

The early 17 century hall is listed because of its wood wall panels, its gables and its wattle and daub construction. Yet it has been left to decay and, at some stage, has been used as a drugs den.

Roger Barnard and Heather Mawhinney took on Hough Hall and had grand plans for it, immersing themselves in the local community and holding open days to show off their ancient home.

Less than two years later though, they put the house up for sale for £200,000 and went on their way.

It has been abandoned more or less ever since.

This is what a spokesperson for the city council had to say: “As the property is privately owned, it is out of our jurisdiction.”

However, surprisingly, an Historic England spokesperson said: “Close contact with the local authority is vital at all times.”

She went on the add: “Communities can play an active role in saving their cherished heritage by being the eyes and ears on the ground. This might be through Heritage Watch schemes to prevent vandalism, setting up Friends Groups or launching a campaign. In some cases, local people have even established Trusts, taking ownership of vulnerable buildings and implementing solutions. Contact with the owner is vital too.”

Leigh G Banks, a former national newspaper journalist and now a broadcaster and editor of www.leighgbankspreservationsociety.blog said: “This is the response we’ve come to expect but it is only the opening shot – there are things that can be done to save a building like this and if people are willing to take on the fight our news organisation and the radio station will do all we can to highlight what is happening.

“The man on the street can win in these circumstances!

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