A forgotten piece of Manchester's past left derelict

Down a small road just off Oldham Road in Middleton lies a forgotten piece of Manchester's past. When most people think of Manchester's history their minds will understandably be drawn to the 19th century with its 'dark satanic mills' and social unrest.

But Greater Manchester's history goes back much farther than this, as evidenced by a few landmarks which have just about survived the ravages of time. Among the remnants just about clinging on beneath the scaffolding is Tonge Hall in Middleton.

The manor house dates back to 1584 and has been described as one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture remaining in England, despite its dilapidated condition. The oak beams, inglenook fireplaces, and quatrefoil panels currently lie beneath a scaffold frame erected to provide some protection from the weather.

Rochdale Borough Council bought the house from its old owners for a nominal fee with the intention of restoring it. That was in 2010, 15 years ago, and aside from work to protect what's left of the house there hasn't been much actual progress since.

The distinctive hall has drawn the attention of urban explorers, with videos of the interior posted online painting a grim picture. Between the oak beams are what's left after a devastating fire swept through the Grade II* listed structure in 2007, reported to have been set deliberately.

Inside, the once grandiose interior was left in a sorry state by the fire. To make matters worse the fire would result in twofold damage to the 450-year-old house, as the very water used by firefighters to save it from the flames would in turn cause damp problems.

Large sections of the roof were completely destroyed in the fire 18 years ago, with only the scaffold and tarpaulin