Harden Hall

In the civil parish of Stockport.
In the historic county of Cheshire (Modern Authority of Stockport, 1974 county of Greater Manchester).

Said to have been defendable. Harden Hall, the home of the Arden family, was situated close to where Arden Primary School now stands and the main gate posts to the hall may still be seen at the entrance to "The Drive" a road which until the early part of C20 led up to Harden Hall. The bell tower of Harden Hall was only demolished in the 1950's to make way for housing. This reference is confusing. Arden Hall, described in PastScape as "Ruins of a stone-built great house, probably built in 1597. The remains of a watch tower survive to the rear of the house, which stands on a moated site." is at SJ91879331. However, the location given by Emery appears to be for Bredbury Hall (SJ91889089). There is no Harden Hall in the PastScape, though Arden Hall seems the most likely alternative name. I conclude that Emery is probably referring to Arden Hall, which also appears to be the conclusion of PastScape. Arden Hall description in Imades of England reads "Great house. 1597 said to be on datestone. For the Ardern family. Dressed stone with ashlar dressings and stone slate roof. Great hall entered through the side of the central tower-like feature. Formerly of 3 storeys although now in a ruinous state as it has been for a century or more. Watchtower at rear. 2 towers remain on the front, a third (now demolished) completed the symmetry. Each is of 3 storeys with 3-light chamfered mullion window on the lower 2 floors, stepped 3-light window with cusped heads on the second floor and stepped gables (to centre only). Left side has similar central stepped gable, 2 storeys and a 5-light stepped cusp-headed window with stepped transoms. Rear too has stepped gables and a central projecting stair/ observation tower with octagonal top storey. Tower has 2 3- light chamfered mullion windows and 4 2-light double- chamfered mullion windows to octagonal stage which has a shallow pyramidal roof. The site is moated and looks over the Tame Valley. An important survival of an unusual and distinctive building."

This site has been described as a;
Fortified Manor House.
The confidence that this site is a medieval fortification or palace is Possible.
Uncertain remains.

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SJ91879331

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*The listed building may not be the actual medieval building, but a building on the site of, or incorporating fragments of, the described site.