It’s been confirmed today that parts of one of north Manchester’s oldest buildings have been demolished over fears it could become a “danger to the public”.
Hough Hall in Moston – a now-dilapidated timber-framed Grade II-listed farm house that dates back to the early 16th century – is thought to have been built in 1502 for a Moston merchant called Hugh Sherlock, and has been used as a butchers shop, doctors surgery and a lipstick manufacturer over the years it, but has since stood empty for some time.
Local historian Alan Hampson once described the hall as “representing a snapshot of life in a north Manchester village as it was 400 to 500 years ago”.
It is not clear who currently owns the hall, as it was sold at auction by its long-term owner for £150,000 last March, and is believed to have been sold once again last October, although Land Registry records for the property have not been updated.
Mr Hampson added that: “It would be a huge shame if, having lasted all this time, it were lost now”.
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But sadly, a spokesperson for Manchester City Council has revealed that, after building control officers were called out on a “emergency response” following reports that the gable end was buckling, sections of the gable end and chimney stack at 500-year-old building have now been knocked down.
Speaking on the decision to carry out emergency repair works to the historic building, a Manchester City Council spokesperson said: “Hough Hall in north Manchester is a privately owned property, and the council has attempted to work with successive owners due its poor state of repair for a number of years.
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“The council’s building control team were called out as part of an emergency response following concerns that a gable end of the property had buckled and could be a danger to the public.
“A notice was served on 23rd February to make the building safe and part of the gable end was cleared to ensure safety. Another notice was served at the end of last week which required the chimneys to be taken down and the site secured, and a partial road closure has been put in place next to the property.
“A council structural engineer and conservation officers have attended the site and building control are awaiting further information on the structural integrity of the building.”
Hough Hall Road is currently closed while the work is being carried out.
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You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.