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There has been a dwelling situated on the site of Barlow Hall for over 800 years now. The earliest dwelling was probably
timber-built and was possibly situated near to the river Mersey for protection, fortification and transport purposes.
Roger, or Robert de Barlow, knight living during the reign of Saxon King Edward 1 (1272 - 1307) founded the eminent Catholic
Barlow family and Barlow Hall continued to be the family home of the Barlow family for a further 500 years.
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In 1584, during the reign of King Henry VIII, Barlow Hall was rebuilt by Alexander Barlow. It is believed that
a mile long underground passage to Hough End Hall exists, as well as a priest's hole.
The last member of the Barlow family to reside at the Hall was Thomas Barlow who died in 1773. The Hall then fell
into the estate of the Egerton family and was leased to various tenants.
Fire ravaged the Hall on March 19th 1879, but the bay window dated 1574 and the first floor oriel window above it
still remain.
St Ambrose Barlow
Barlow Hall has special significance for the Catholic community as the birthplace of St Ambrose Barlow.
Sir Edward Barlow was born at Barlow Hall in 1585 and took the name Ambrose when he was ordained as a priest of the Order
of St Benedict. He was hanged for his faith at Lancaster Gaol in 1641. He was later canonised by Pope Paul VI,
as one of the 40 martyrs of England and Wales, on October 25th 1970. The ghost of St Ambrose is said to haunt the upper
floors of the Hall to this day.
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