Chadderton Fold, Lancastershire, was the site of the original Chadderton Hall, which was erected in the mid-13th century, by the First Lord of the Manor Geoffrey de Chadderton. By 1367, the Manor had passed into the possession of the Radcliffe family, who were one of the most illustrious families in England, John de Radcliffe, Lord of Chadderton, fought at Agincourt in 1415 and was knighted by King Henry V. (from: J.M. Robinson, "Guide to the Country Houses of the North West." London, 1988)
The Manor was sold in 1684 to the Horton Family of Barkisland, Halifax, Yorkshire. William Horton III bought the Manor and moved there. In 1748, Sir William Horton IV had the hall rebuilt, and in 1800's, his grandson, Thomas Horton enlarged and improved on the hall. The Baronetcy expired in 1831. (From: J.M. Robinson,"Guide to the Country Houses of the Northwest," London, 1988).
Sir Watts Horton (1753-1811), grandson of Sir William Horton IV, married Henrietta, daughter of Lord Strange and sister of the Earl of Derby . Sir Watts maintained a lavish lifestyle and furnished the hall with expensive paintings and furniture. Appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1775, it was necessary for him to entertain county dignitaries, and Chadderton Hall must have been a sight to behold in those days. His hospitality was legendary and his entertainments for the gentry would continue until 5 0'clock in the morning. Archery contests were a regular event in the parkland which stretched over to Middleton Road, whilst cockfighting bouts took place in the large barn. On the death of Sir Watts in 1811, the estate passed to his brother, the Rev. Sir Thomas Horton, who died in 1821 without sons. The Hall then passed to Harriet Susanna Anne Rhys, the only daughter of Sir Watts. After her death in 1827, her husband, Major Charles Rhys of Kilmaenllwyd in Carmarthenshire, Wales, continued to own the estate until his death in 1852. Sir Watts also was a landowner in Halifax, Yorkshire. He held property around what is now the Halifax Railway Station at the bottom of Horton Street, which is a street leading from Ward's End down to the station. The street is named after Sir Watts Horton.
Chadderton Hall
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