Highgate Hall. Hayfield

Highgate Hall is on Highgate Road, about 700 metres South - East of Hayfield. 

 The house  is Grade II listed having been built in the 17th century. Historic England describes it as follows : 

PARISH OF HAYFIELD HIGHGATE ROAD (west side) Highgate Hall II House. C17, altered in C20. Coursed gritstone with large quoins. Gritstone dressings. Stone slate roof. Large external stack, stepped in towards top, to west elevation. Two storeys. Two bay west elevation. Large stack to north. C20 glazed porch to south, covering formerly two-light: recessed and chamfered window and C20 glazed door. Between porch and stack C20 window . To south, former three-light recessed and chamfered window, now with central square section mullion. Both gable walls have C20 windows. Chamfered quoined doorcase with pointed arched lintel to rear. C20 door. 

More recently the garage has been converted to provide additional accommodation and connected to the house by a link block. 

 Highgate Hall was the site of a murder in the 18th century. A Scottish pedlar was a regular visitor and would often be given a night's shelter. It's believed that he was murdered by a servant and friend for his merchandise, a collection of jewellery. The assailants fled the district and were never caught. The pedlar's body was found in a well in the yard and was buried nearby. The pedlar however, was not at rest and "The Thiggate Hall Ghost" was often to be seen. In 1770, his bones were dug up and re-interred in Hayfield Churchyard. The well was sealed and it is said that he will remain at peace as long as it remains undisturbed. 

 This photograph is reproduced courtesy of Manchester Libraries.