SMITHILLS Hall is a fascinating place with a history that many people are possibly not fully aware of.

It is a beautiful building with a rich history right here on our doorstep and well worth a look over the summer months.

Its history dates back more than 800 years although there is evidence to prove people lived in the area covered by the Smithills estate for thousands of years.

The very first written records relating to the hall began when William Radcliffe obtained the manor from the Hulton family in 1485 – the Hulton name is synonymous with Bolton and the surrounding area. You only have to think of Hulton Lane, Little Hulton and Over Hulton to get an idea of just how important this family was at the time.

In 1485, when the last Radcliffe to own the estate died without a male heir, Smithills Hall was passed to another wealthy family – sheep farmers’ the Bartons.

Smithills was home to the Bartons for almost 200 years until in 1659 the hall and estate was passed on, by marriage, to the Belayse family.

This family owned many other properties around England and did not really need to keep Smithills Hall.

As a result it fell into a state of disrepair and neglect. In 1801 the hall and estate were sold to the Ainsworth bleaching family who over three generations extensively rebuilt and modernised it. In 1870 it passed to Richard Henry Ainsworth, who employed Victorian architect George Devey to design the most significant improvements to the hall.

It was later sold to Bolton council for £70,600 and it was opened as a museum in 1963.Eventually though the financial burden of running such a prominent and large home became too great and after World War One Smithills Hall was sold to Bolton Council for £70,600. At this time the Victorian parts of the house became a council residential home and later a day centre until the late 1990s.

The older sections, following conservation work, allowed part of the Grade 1 listed building to be opened as a museum in 1963.

Smithills Hall is a wonderful example of our rich history here in Bolton and, with several ghostly residents, is well worth a look. Do you have memories of Smithills Hall? Did you work there or have any other connections? If so do get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk