History
Whiston Hall & Farm
Whiston Hall an early 16th century manor house built by the Earl of Shrewsbury, which is now in use as a nursing home. The house was encased and extended at the end of the 17th Century and the east wing was added by the Duke of Norfolk. It was further extended in the 18th century. Built of coursed dressed sandstone with some internal timber framing. The roof is of 20th century cement-tiles.
The Moss family were at Whiston Hall in 1848 until about 1869.
Living at the next property was John Holmes, an agricultural labourer who was probably employed by Francis Moss. Johns daughter Elizabeth was employed as a House servant for Francis Moss in 1851.
The accompanying farm, in 1871, covered 600 acres, going back as far as what is now, Birchall Avenue, it was farmed by twelve men and two boys. Sarah Rollinson, from Tankersley aged 60 and unmarried resided at the Hall and was Housekeeper. Joshua Armitage, age 70, from Clayton, was employed as a groom and domestic servant and Betsy Ellis age 10, a general domestic servant. Two orphans, Francis and William Moss, age 8 and 7 also resided here. The previous owners had set up a trusteeship for orphans.
In 1879 William Cox, was farming here.
By 1881 the Unwin's were farming 230 Acres, employing 5 Men and 2 Boys. Arthur Unwin then aged 26 was born in Boythorpe Derbyshire. He was unmarried and his sister Catherine was housekeeper. Servants living in were Annie Roddis, age 16, David Inman age 22 from Woodseats, Harry Machin age 16 and George F. Wilkinson.
Arthur married Emily, aged 32, who was born in Whiston about 1883 and in 1891 they had a daughter Mary, age 7. Living with the family were two servants Emily Nettleship, age 14, and Elizabeth Hinchliffe, age 15.
Arthur Thompson was farming here in 1911.
