16th Century Poster Bed At Ordsall Hall In Salford
This 16th century poster bed at Ordsall Hall, Salford is thought to be the oldest bed in England.
Dating back to the 1570s, this architectural gem was the wedding bed for Sir John Radclyffe and Lady Anne Asshawe.
The Elizabeth I oak four-poster bed is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.
It is made from oak, a popular choice for furniture during the Tudor period due to its strength and durability.
It features intricate carvings and decorative motifs on the bed frame.
The headboard, footboard and canopy are adorned with ornate designs, reflecting the opulence and elegance of the Elizabethan era.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, England saw the flourishing of the arts, exploration, and the expansion of the British Empire.
Owning such a bed would have been a statement of wealth, status, and connection to the court.
The bed has a strong association with the Radclyffe family, who were notable figures in English history - they served a number of Plantagenet and Tudor kings and queens in civil and foreign wars.
It’s the only surviving piece of furniture from Ordsall Hall, Salford, a beautifully preserved Tudor mansion.
The bed disappeared somewhere around 1650 when the Hall passed from family ownership.
It turned up in the 1930’s at the house of a Whalley Range recluse.
All of his possessions, including the bed, were sold off to cover death duties, purchased by a Mrs Robinson of Monyash, Derbyshire.
The bed lay in pieces in farm outbuildings until it was put back together and bought in 1968 by Dr Chris Douglas who was a collector of medieval and Tudor furniture.
When the ancient piece of furniture went under the hammer, Ordsall Hall raised funds to bid for the bed and to ‘bring it home’.
They managed to raise four times the suggested guide price.
However at bid they came up against a wealthy businessman who wanted to acquire the bed for his young daughter as the perfect Princess bed.
Bidding against Mr Sehnaoui, the Hall quickly exhausted their funds - it sold for a near national record paid for an antique bed at £65,000.
About Ordsall Hall
Ordsall Hall, Salford’s beautifully preserved (and supposedly haunted) Tudor mansion and museum, re-opened a couple of years ago following a £6.5m renovation,.
The renovation overhauled the fabric of this Grade I-listed house, from its roof and ancient oak timbers to its stained glass, stonework and even paint.
The buildings dates back more than 750 years, although the oldest surviving parts of the present hall were built in the 15th century.
The most important period of Ordsall Hall's life was as the family seat of the Radclyffe family, who lived in the house for more than 300 years.
The hall was the setting for William Harrison Ainsworth's 1842 novel Guy Fawkes, written around the plausible although unsubstantiated local story that the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was planned in the house.
Since its sale by the Radclyffes in 1662 the hall has been put to many uses: a working men's club, a school for clergy, and a radio station among them.
The house was bought by the old Salford Council in 1959 and opened to the public in 1972, as a period house and local history museum.
Today, the hall is a Grade 1 listed building and entrance is free - it’s a lovely place to visit.
It has lovely reviews on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “This really is a hidden gem in the middle of a suburban jungle.
”The building has been very well restored considering its multi uses over the years and is a delight to wander through. Its history is fascinating and as you would expect, each room tells a story.
”The staff were very helpful and friendly and although there was a school group in, it didn't impose on our visit.
”After we had meandered through all the rooms, we sat in the cafe and enjoyed an amazingly huge cheese toastie which was absolutely delicious. We spent a very enjoyable couple of hours here and would highly recommend it.”
Another person added: “Very good, especially for children, lots of interaction and it's all free, you can make a donation.
”You also have to pay for parking, my granddaughter really enjoyed, there are lifts to all floors and toilets. There is a garden to walk round too. Very enjoyable couple of hours. Will go again.”
Ordsall Hall is closed on bank holidays, but it is open every weekday from 10am.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN.
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