Ryecroft Hall

Ryecroft Hall:  Manchester Road, Audenshaw, Manchester, M34 5ZL

Excellent venue for the Ghost Hunter , this Grade II listed building commenced building in 1849 on the instruction of James Smith Buckley after he purchased the land from the Earl of Stamford and Warrington.  James died before the build was complete but it passed to the ownership of his sons; first James and then William.  The Buckley’s were a rich cotton manufacturing family who owned two mills as well as having other financial interests; as such Ryecroft Hall was built in a grand style in which they could live a life of luxury.  The Hall stayed within extended Buckley family until the early 1900’s.  It was then sold to Austin Hopkinson; who served as an MP for the area for nearly 30 years.

During the First World War (1914-1918); Ryecroft Hall was used as Red Cross hospital housing over 100 beds for injured soldiers…  Are any of them still resident today?  Could the apparition that has been sighted at Ryecroft Hall be an old soldier trying to find his way home?

Previous investigations at this location have uncovered some frightening experiences with reports of people being touched, strange smells, cold spots and banging.  An oppressive atmosphere has also been felt by some visitors along with the sound of crying…  The cellar is reported to have unnerved the staff of Ryecroft Hall; with some refusing to go down into the depths alone.

Rycroft Hall was built as a grand stately home to include a billiards room, ballroom and library as well as the servant’s quarters.  Are some of the previous residents reluctant to leave this beautiful Hall?

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