Ford Green Hall

Story

Ford Green Hall is a Grade II* listed farmhouse and historic house museum in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The oldest parts of the house date from the late 16th century, with one wing being either added or greatly repaired at some point in the early 18th century. In its grounds, there also stands an 18th-century dovecote which shares the listed building status of the main farmhouse.The house stands on land adjacent to the B5051 minor road in the east of Smallthorne. Originally, it stood in 36acre of farmland, but this has been gradually encroached upon over the years so that now it is surrounded by comparatively small grounds. Beyond its grounds there is now housing and a nature reserve.HistoryThe hall is thought to have been built in 1624 for Hugh Ford, a local yeoman farmer, remaining in the Ford family for some 200 years. A brickwork extension was added to the property sometime in the 17th century, most likely replacing or renovating a previous structure.The Fords had left the area by the 19th century, and after a series of tenants, it was split into three separate dwellings. During this period, the distinctive timber framing was covered in white stucco. The property was purchased by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 1946 and, following restoration, opened as a museum in 1952.TodayFord Green Hall is now operated as a museum and has been furnished as a 17th-century yeoman farmer's house. The museum includes a number of original textiles, ceramics and pieces of furniture, as well as some reproductions. There is an onsite café and the hall also holds a licence for weddings.