Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall is a Tudor manor house in Cheshire, England, once home to the wealthy Moreton family and called by some ‘a stranded Noah’s Ark’ because of its top-heavy design. Famous for its asymmetrical build and timber framing, Little Moreton Hall is an architecturally whimsical structure entirely distinct from other Tudor era manors.

History of Little Moreton Hall

The Moreton family amassed their wealth following land purchases after the Black Death in 1348 and the dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Little Moreton Hall was intended to be a testament to their newly found fortunes. Construction of this intriguing structure began around 1504-1508, with additions continuing until 1610. The house sits on an island, surrounded by a 10-metre wide moat, with a Knot garden, popularised in the late-Tudor period situated on the island as well. 

The family fortunes would not last for the Moretons. Following the English Civil War (1642–1651), the house fell into disrepair. The family was on the royalist side, which did not serve them well following Cromwell’s victory. By the early 18th century the house was abandoned by the Moreton family, with the surrounding land and the building itself being rented out to tenant farmers.

The family owned the building until 1938, when it was transferred to the United Kingdom’s National Trust by Bishop C. W. R. Abraham and his son, Mr Rupert Abraham. Minor restoration works began in the early 20th century, with more substantial ones following suit after the building was acquired by the National Trust. 

Little Moreton Hall today

These days the public can visit the beautiful and quirky building, have tea and cake in their cafe, walk around its famous knot garden or peruse pre-owned books in the bookstore.

Walking inside the house is a breathtaking experience, giving one a unique glimpse into the Elizabethan upper-class way of living.

Going to Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall is situated south of the town of Congleton in Cheshire, England. To reach it by car from Congleton, take the A34 (Congleton Rd) south towards Scholar Green. The turning is on the left.

The nearest train station is in Kidsgrove, roughly 3 miles away from Little Moreton Hall. Buses run infrequently from Alsager to Congleton.