Allostock

Hulme Hall with its moat and medieval bridge is Allostock's oldest and most archaeologically significant monument. The site is an English Heritage Scheduled Ancient Monument and the Hall and bridge are Grade II* listed structures. Danes settled at Hulme Hall in the 10th and 11th century and there are records than an Anglo-Norse squire (Hame) who lived here, perished in the Battle of Namptwiche in the Northern Rebellion of 1069. "Houlme" was an early version of the Norse word meaning "land above the water" or "island". The Shakerleys built the 15th-century bridge which is one entrance to Hulme Hall across the moat which is 20 yards (18 m) wide. The other entrance is reputed to be the site of the old drawbridge. Recent renovations have found evidence of medieval and earlier occupation, a record of which is with the Chester Records Office.[11]

The manor of Allostock was conveyed to the Grosvenors in the reign of Edward I by John de Lostock. The Grosvenors had their chief seat at Hulme in this township, till the death of Robert Grosvenor Esq., in whom the male line of the elder line became extinct in 1465, when his estates were divided between his daughters. A part of the manor was inherited by Sir John Leicester, who married one of the heiresses of the Grosvenors. Mr Shakerley inherited a fifth from his ancestor who married the heiress of John Legh, of Booths. In 1234 Richard Grosvenor of Hulme (ancestor of the Duke of Westminster) took over Hulme Hall from another Norman family. This Richard Grosvenor was related to Hugh Lupus, the first Norman Earl of Chester. In 1269 Richard built a Chapel of Ease at Lower Peover to save the long journey to Great Budworth. In 1464 Robert Grosvenor had a Chantry Chapel built at Lower Peover which was pulled down in 1547 under Henry VIII. The Grosvenors also established Hulme Mill (opposite Mill Gate Farm) and Bradshaw Brook was diverted about ¾ of a mile to obtain a better head of water.[12]

In 1453 the Shakerleys inherited Hulme Hall and about 1000 acres of Allostock's 3000 acres, through the female line. Several of the Shakerleys are buried in the Shakerley Chapel in the south aisle of Lower Peover Church where memorials may be seen including one to Sir Geoffrey Shakerley who fought for the King in the Civil War. At the Battle of Rowton Moor near Chester, Sir Geoffrey rowed across the Dee in an old tub with his horse swimming beside him. Roundheads were blocking the roads and he needed to warn the King. The King hesitated with his orders. Sir Geoffrey rowed back but arrived too late and the battle was lost. In Lower Peover Church the Shakerley crest (a hare and a wheat sheaf) can still be seen on several of the box pew ends. The pews were reserved for the Shakerley tenants. In 1720 the Shakerleys built Somerford Hall (now demolished) as their main residence and Hulme Hall became a farm house.[13]