Town Houses’s History
In the 13th Century, the residing family were “of the Ton”, eg William of the Ton in 1223 and this continued until 1281 when the Kyrkechagh (Kershaw) family took residence. This lasted until 1452 when the house passed to the Newall family. Town House, as it became known, was rebuilt or a new building was built on an adjacent plot in 1292 and further rebuilt in 1604 with further alterations incorporated over the years.
The 17th Century also saw an increase in the number of homes and farms being built in Littleborough including close by, Upper Town House in the tenure of Alexander Kershaw (Yeoman) in 1626. Mawrode, (between Calderbrook & Summit) however is much earlier and dates from 1503 although the Bronze Torque was found near it. Was considerably older
In 1828 the death of Lawrence Newall meant that his 3 daughters came to possess Upper Town House, Town House and Gale. In time, Mary who wed John Molesworth, Solicitor and County Coroner. came to live in Town House which remained in her possession until at least 1893. In 1903 Gordon and Ernst Harvey purchased Town House and together they rebuilt Town House to create two large houses linked by a connecting door to enable the brothers discuss their business interests etc. Both pictures re;ate to the house as rebuilt by the Harvey’s
In 1994 Town House was reviewed when it was found to be in good condition and not at risk. It was owned by Mr & Mrs Howarth, being in domestic use and converted into individual flats (apartments). Photographs at the time showed there had been previous movement in the Pedestal’s stonework which was still visible in 2020.
See also Town House Mill, Cottage and Farm
Town House Littleborough
Town House is the earliest known settlement in Littleborough dating from during the Anglo-Saxon era circa 970 AD, 100 years before the Normal Conquest. Originally know as Ton House, ie the House in the Clearing, Ton House is thus earlier than Clegg Hall built by Bernulf de Clegg in the 11/12th Centuries predates numerous other early large houses.Ton House preceded the Parish church by almost 500 years.
Below paragraphs provide brief details of History of Town House’s complex history and further down the page are details of the close by Town House Mill complex history.
See next page for
Town House Mill, Cottage and Farm
