Kersal Cell, Littleton Road, Salford, Greater Manchester
This 16th century timber framed manor house is on the site of the 12th century Cluniac priory. The priory was founded as a cell of Lenton Priory in c1145-53 by the Earl of Chester on the site of a hermitage. As a Cluniac it was dependent on La Charité-sur-Loire church in France, until 1392. The monks then had English citizenship until the priory was dissolved in 1538. The remaining building contains roof timbers dated dendrochronologically to c1515. A wall painting was discovered behind the 17th century panelling, it has been dated to 1595-1605. Over 30 worked sandstone blocks were recovered in an excavation and are likely to have been part of the original Cluniac cell. The monastic buildings appear to have been removed at some point between 1755 and 1795. It is also associated with John Byrom (1692-1763), a shorthand writer, and author of the hymn 'Christians Awake'.
