The Great Hall at Mains is a timber-framed building, built to replicate an original Banqueting Hall that was on this exact spot over 500 years ago and - despite its new appearance, beneath us, lie several hundred years of history...if not more.

The Age of Chivalry

The White Cannons

Historic Mains Hall, a Grade II listed manor house, is steeped in local legend. It is believed that some of the original beams contained within the Hall are part of a much earlier building, dating from medieval times.

Local historical records refer to a knight, Sir Alan de Singleton, being given this land by King John and residing here as Lord of the Manor in the early 13th century. Sir Alan also had links with Sir Adam de Singleton who built the famous Chingle Hall near Goosnargh, Preston, reputedly one of the most haunted houses in Britain.

Another knight was in residence here in the early 14th century, one, Sir Adam Banastre (Banister) – hence the suit of armour in the Great Hall, reflecting our links with knighthood and the age of chivalry! The original Hall may also have had links with Cockersand Abbey, as some old maps refer to it as Monks Hall.

Ghost stories abound of wandering monks in the grounds and there is a legend that 12 lay brothers, having died of the plague, are buried beneath 12 ancient trees behind the hall.