I grew up in Greater Manchester's 'haunted' mansion - this is its fascinating story

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

It's one of the finest examples of Tudor construction in Britain. Reputedly haunted, it sits between a huge housing estate and industrial units in its own beautiful gardens. But to John Finley it was once home and its walls will always be part of the fabric of his family history.

Ordsall Hall is the jewel in Salford's architectural heritage. Fifty years ago it first opened its doors to the public after a chequered past in which it was a medieval mansion occupied by aristocracy, wealthy merchants, industrialists, then later butchers and farmers, plus a spell as working man's club.

This spring, John, 76, was the guest of honour at a party to mark the golden anniversary of the building opening up for everyone. In 1959, to save the hall from being bought for commercial use, and probably demolished, it was bought by Salford Corporation (council). John's father, Edward 'Ted' Finley was hired by the council as the hall's caretaker that year.

READ MORE: Is this the most haunted place in Greater Manchester? The ghosts stalking Ordsall Hall

At first Ted kept only a daytime watch on the premises. But the council then created a flat within the hall for him, his wife Margaret, and young John, their only child, to live in. Ted also worked as a gallery attendant at the hall.

Ted was unable to attend the original launch of the opening of the hall to the public in late April 1972 due to illness. A party of schoolchildren were amongst the first to visit the hall after initial major repairs were done during the 1960s - now 35,000 visit each year.

Ted died in 1979. But he left behind two legacies - the family's link to one of the city's most famous buildings, and as a founder member of the Salford Art Club, an important and impressive