Georgian and Victorian Influence
Later centuries saw further alterations reflecting changing tastes. The Georgian period introduced more symmetrical facades and sash windows, while Victorian restorations sought to preserve and romanticize the medieval character of the building. These later additions blended with the original structure, making Smithills Hall a unique palimpsest of English domestic architecture.
The Radcliffe Legacy
For several centuries, the Radcliffe family were the primary owners of Smithills Hall. Their influence extended beyond the manor into regional politics and society. Members of the family served as sheriffs and justices of the peace in Lancashire.
The Radcliffes were notable patrons of the local church and community, reflecting their role as feudal lords responsible for the welfare of their tenants.
Later Ownership: The Langleys and Others
By the 17th century, the Radcliffe family sold Smithills Hall, and it passed through various hands, including the Langley family. These later owners continued to maintain the estate, though by the 19th century the manor’s role shifted away from being a noble seat toward more of a country house.
Industrialization in Bolton and the surrounding areas during the 18th and 19th centuries dramatically transformed the region. While Bolton became a major center for textile manufacturing, Smithills Hall retained its rural character as a symbol of the area's pre-industrial past. shutdown123