Wood Hill House

First built by the Scholes family, Rev. Jacob Scholes of Woodhill was resident in 1790 when he purchased further land on Hilton Lane. the Residence kept within the family until it was conveyed to a Mr Samuel Ashton after George Scholes death around 1837.

There followed ownership by Henry Tootal Broadhurst (of Tootal Broadhurst & Lee - Hemming manufacturer 1887 - renowned for work on the first crease proof fabric) (The Lee family home was at Brooklands) and Sir William Mather of Mather and Platt , Salford Ironworks. Mr Mather was an influential man, who entertained the likes of Thomas Edison and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman (M.P. & P.M.) at his Prestwich Residence.

Woodhill from Butt Hill.

1915

1923

An overlay map combining 1926 and 1935 - the final demise of the Hall. This shows some present day properties  in relation to the Hall. 

Sir William Mather himself went on to be a Liberal M.P., laid the foundation stone of Our Lady of Grace Chapel and School in Prestwich, and was Knighted in 1902. After his death in 1920, William was buried in St. Mary's graveyard along side the grave of their 3rd daughter (Grace Emma) who had died suddenly in 1893, aged 17.  Williams wife, Emma, died almost one year after William.  Williams son Colin, is buried slightly to the rear and to the side of Grace.

Mather Family Graves.