Pam and Terry Woolliscroft
We were privileged to work and live at Ford Green Hall in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, from November 1983 to August 1987. Pam was employed by the city council as its resident curator.
We lived at the Hall for almost 4 years until we had to leave following the devastating flood of 23rd August 1987.
The flood water rose to the top of what is now the museum's entrance door (not the 'one foot' of water reported in the local press!) Much of the ground floor and many of our possessions, and those of the museum, were ruined. Even our pianola floated in the murky water! Many of our photographs taken during our time at the Hall were destroyed. But Toots, our pet cat, clung on and survived.
We are proud to have been the last people, in all of its 363 years, to live in the Hall. The oldest house in Stoke-on-Trent.
In 2024 Ford Green Hall celebrated the
400th Anniversary of its construction
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Ford Green Hall 1986 Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent
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A fine example
Ford Green Hall is a fine example of a 17th century timber-framed house. It was built in 1624 for Hugh Ford, a local yeoman farmer who owned 36 acres of land. The Ford family remained at the Hall for nearly 200 years.
Another member of the family, who was not in line to inherit the property, went on to become a successful silk manufacturer in the nearby town of Leek. Ford Street and Ford House are extant today (2024).
In the 19th century, after the Ford family left, the status of the house began to decline. Local industry took its toll and the property's condition deteriorated but it did remain occupied. By 1850 the house had been divided into three 'cottages' and by 1930 four separate tenements.
The entire property continued to deteriorate but, recognising its importance, it was purchased by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 1946, largely through the efforts of Councillor Horace Barks, Chairman of the Museums Committee.
Following lengthy restoration of the poor, dilapidated property, it was opened as a 'folk museum' with a resident custodian, Olive Clowes, in May 1952. Mrs.Clowes remained at the Hall until 1975 when she retired.
It seems that the property was not called 'Hall' until it opened as the museum.
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Ford Green Hall opening day May 1952 Civic dignitaries with Horace Barks, the Lord Mayor Photo: Courtesy Ford Green Hall |
By 1952 all vestiges of surrounding farmland had disappeared. It had been swallowed up by coal mining and its associated industries, a chain works immediately opposite the house, the railway and high density housing. It is amazing to consider how brave and far-sighted the city council were, not long after World War II (1939-1945), to embark on such an ambitious and costly project.
Award winning museum
Now an award-winning museum, the Hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into life in the 17th century. The rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of textiles, ceramics and furniture.
The Hall is administered by Ford Green Hall Ltd, a charitable organisation manned by volunteers and members of the local community. Income is used to run, restore and continuously develop the museum.
Ford Green Hall, Ford Green Road, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NG