Underbank Hall
Historic town house in Stockport, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Underbank Hall (officially listed as 10 Great Underbank) is a Grade II* listed historic town house in the Underbank area of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. Although Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council attributes the building to the 15th century, Historic England assigns it to the 16th century. The hall was later associated with the Arden family of Bredbury and has been used as a bank since the early 19th century.
| Underbank Hall | |
|---|---|
The Tudor front of Underbank Hall | |
  Location within Greater Manchester | |
Alternative names | 10 Great Underbank |
General information | |
| Location | Underbank, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53.4117°N 2.1582°W |
| Completed | 16th century |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber framed |
| Design and construction | |
| Designations | |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
Official name | 10, Great Underbank |
| Designated | 13 May 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1356829 |
History
The hall dates back to the 15th century, according to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council,[1] although its official listing places it in the 16th century.[2]
It was the home of a branch of the Arden family of Bredbury, who were related to William Shakespeare on his mother's side.[3]
In 1823 it was sold by William Arden, 2nd Baron Alvanley to pay off debts and was converted into a bank. A banking hall was added at the rear in 1919. The building continues to operate as a bank and now houses the NatWest branch for Stockport.[4]
On 13 May 1952, it was designated a Grade II* listed building.[2]
Architecture
The building is constructed with a timber frame and infill panels, rising two storeys with additional attic space. The upper level projects slightly and is carried on a shaped wooden beam.[2] The front has four large first‑floor windows set in decorative timber surrounds, each divided into multiple panes and supported on small brackets. The ground floor is mostly taken up by matching windows.[2]
A two‑storey porch projects from the front, finished with shaped timber details. Above it are three small gabled features, each containing a multi‑paned window, and the gables have patterned bargeboards and finials.[2] Inside, some rooms and the staircase retain early timber panelling, and there is a carved fireplace displaying the Arden family's coat of arms. The grounds include modern railings and end posts topped with pineapple‑shaped ornaments.[2]
