Hopwood Hall Manor, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Middleton, once illuminated the community with festive warmth and a spirit of togetherness during the Christmas season. Now, as the holiday season approaches, this iconic building stands shrouded in darkness
Once a place of celebration, where Lady Hopwood hosted lavish parties and the Hopwood family gathered for grand Christmas dinners, the manor now faces a future of neglect under the stewardship of Rochdale Borough Council.
Hopwood Manor, known today as Hopwood Hall Estate, was five to ten years away from vanishing completely from Middleton's landscape and history, with only memories to keep hold of what once was. In 2013, an American actor and producer named Hopwood DePree quickly stepped in to save his ancestral home. He began drafting plans and considering ways to restore it, preserve his family's memories, and eventually revive the tradition of hosting gatherings and events. After investigating the building and delving into its history, Mr. DePree understood the enormity of the challenge before him. He found that the building had been mismanaged by Rochdale Council, resulting in its placement on the at-risk register. The council failed to invest in its maintenance, passively watching as the building slowly decayed, appearing indifferent and even entertained by the idea of its collapse. Some have even accused the council of committing heritage crimes by allowing a listed building to vanish. Mr. DePree realised he couldn't accomplish this on his own, so he sent out an SOS to the local community, seeking assistance to restore the building. To his surprise, he received hundreds of emails from people eager to join him in the journey of reviving Hopwood Hall Manor. Hopwood formed a volunteer gardening group to tackle the dense overgrowth of shrubs, trees, and roots, aiming to restore the rose garden to its original state. Everything at Hopwood Hall Estate appeared to be progressing smoothly, with new leaded windows being crafted and new wood carvings being chiseled, all designed to match the original. Before long, work began on the roofing, ensuring it remained original while also being watertight. Volunteers arrived on Tuesdays and Thursdays, donating their time twice a week to assist in restoring the building and grounds to honour the former Hopwood Family. Strangers became friends, but after many hours and many months, friends became family, and that's what they are. They're all part of something amazing and doing something that will not only save history but also save a part of their hometown. This building has hosted many events and brought hundreds of people together, and although this building is far from hosting Christmas dinners and parties anytime soon, 600 years on, it still continues to bring strangers together who leave the building as family.
Unfortunately, this situation was abruptly halted as Rochdale Council has insisted on regaining full control of the building, forcing the volunteers out of the property and land, and barring them, along with Mr. DePree, from access. Under the governance of Rochdale Borough Council, the manor's future appears uncertain. Without any clear commitment to preserving its heritage, the Hall has once again become a casualty of Rochdale Council. As the town of Middleton grapples with the challenges of modern development, the future of its historic landmarks, such as Hopwood Hall, remains in jeopardy. its once-beautiful architecture obscured by the overgrown woods surrounding it. As the winter months set in, the building seems more like a forgotten relic, quietly fading away in the cold, rather than the lively, welcoming place it once was.
While the council has offered vague assurances that they are working on a long-term strategy for the building, the absence of any immediate plans for its preservation or revitalisation casts a shadow over the manor’s future. Without the funds or political will to restore it, Hopwood Hall is at risk of fading into the past, becoming nothing more than a footnote in Middleton's rich history.
For now, Hopwood Hall Manor remains in the dark, its lights extinguished and its once-joyful halls silent. The memories of Christmases gone by — of Lady Hopwood’s elegant parties and the warmth of family gatherings — seem increasingly distant. The people of Middleton, and all who once looked forward to the magic of Christmas at Hopwood Hall, are left wondering if they will ever see the manor come to life again. Until then, it will remain a forgotten relic, rotting in the cold, surrounded by the woods. Follow Manchester Today on Facebook, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Newsdesk@ManchesterToday.org.uk
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