Stand Old Hall

Description

At the time of the Conquest the seat of the Pilkingtons was at Stand Hall. This, the original Stand Hall, was probably on the site of the building which is now known as Stand Old Hall, on Ringley Road. Later, probably in the 13th century, another hall was built opposite the top of Stand Lane. Much confusion has arisen because a part of the medieval hall survived until recent times and some referred to it as "The Old Hall", to distinguish it from the Victorian Stand Hall which, at that time, stood less than one hundred yards behind it. In the late 15th century the hall at Stand opposite Stand Lane was partly demolished and a portion of the original building situated on the edge of Ringley Road was used as a barn. The 'barn' was built in the reign of Henry V. A Ministry of Housing and Local Government Report made in the mid-20th century stated that it was a remarkable example of a elaborate timber-framed medieval Great Hall. After the Second World War steps were taken top have the 'barn' preserved as a scheduled monument but, just as arrangements were nearing completion, the roof fell in. Attempts to preserve the building were then abandoned. It was demolished in the 1960s when all the land belonging to Stand Hall was cleared to make way for a housing estate bounded by Ringley Road, Ringley Drive and Ten Acre Drive. (PastScape)

Comments

Said by Hardwick (1867) to have been issued a licence to 'kernel and embattle' by Edward IV. This is clearly a reference to the licence for Bury Castle and was dismissed as such by Pilkington (1912). However, the Prestwick and Whitefield Heritage Society, who did a recent archaeological excavation, have re-raised this suggestion! Pilkington includes a hypothetical plan of the site with the house moated but writes "It stands on high ground, sloping away on every side, a position which would be very defensible, but there are no traces of fortifications of any description". The location is that of a hunting lodge, as implied by the manor name, designed to view the deer park, not to be defensible. The loss of the very fine carved wood hall is most sad.