The Old Hall
The original hall was the residence of the Lords of the Manor of Sandbach. The present Grade I listed building was erected in 1656 and is probably on the site of the original Manor. It was initially constructed square from wattle and daub with an oak frame. The oak for the timber frame is thought to have come from either the Saxe-mondron forest near Nantwich or the forest that once covered a large part of Sandbach Heath. Inside there are three Jacobean fireplaces, the one downstairs being very ornate and having the added attraction of a secret door on the right. The first floor is reached by an oak staircase, upon which is carved “IB 1828”. There is also some original oak panelling and tiling. Features of particular interest are a left-handed spiral staircase and a priest hole. There was reputed to be a hidden passage to the church but it is unlikely that this still exists. In 1841 the hall was divided into two tenements, the eastern side becoming the rectory of Reverend William Sylvester and the western part being used as a public house called “The Three Tuns Inn”. In the early 21st Century the hall fell into disrepair and was at the top of English Heritage’s list of “Most Endangered Listed Buildings”.