The nicknamed 'Katies House' was something of an urban exploration myth for some time. It’s whereabouts and true title unknown and kept secret in the interest of protecting the property in its uniquely preserved state. Built in 1704, Woolton Hall was designed and built by the contemporary architecht Robert Adams and hailed as one of the finest hidden examples of 18th century architecture in the North of England. Most recently used as a venue for weddings, conventions and catering functions, inevitably it reached a state of disrepair in the late 20th century, and the manor was scheduled for demolition before being sold to a local resident who has since strenuously attempted to keep the building in its listed state and hidden from prying eyes. The surrounding land has since been consumed by suburban developments, and the estate is now confined to but a fraction of the size it once was; In comparison to most derelict sites of this nature, the interior has been respectfully left alone for the most part, the grand wooden hallways and 18th century paintings combined with the eccentricity of the unusually placed red phone box and clubmans bar stools make Katies House a somewhat ideal representation of British culture. Over three hundred years-worth of layers make it easy to see why it has been nicknamed ‘Wacky-Tacky-Manor’; There is more history in this place than I can even try to imagine. The plaque above the mantelpiece on the ground floor entrance reads ‘This site was granted to the religious order of the nights hospitallers by John Constable of Chester and Baron of Halton and Widnes. John was a crusader who died at tyre in 1190 leaving his son roger to succeed the title. It was Roger in 1203 who granted the township to the nights hospitaller.’
