Old Rectory, Stockport

The Old Rectory is a Georgian building in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England, that formerly served as a rectory. It is designated as a Grade II* listed building and was converted into a pub-restaurant in 1991.

History

Built in the 1740s for Reverend Samuel Stead, it replaced an earlier parsonage and was later used as an army billet during the Second World War.
The building last served ecclesiastical functions between 1951 and 1965, during which time it was the residence of David Saunders-Davies, the second Bishop of Stockport.
On 14 May 1952, it was designated a Grade II* listed building.
Following its conversion, the multi-room pub and restaurant opened in 1991 after Boddingtons Brewery acquired the property. It has since changed ownership multiple times, with the most recent proprietor being Hungry Horse, a pub chain owned by Greene King.

Architecture

The building is constructed in brick with stone detailing, featuring rusticated quoins, a moulded wooden eaves cornice, and a roof of Welsh slate. It has three storeys with a symmetrical five-bay façade, complemented by a single-storey, three-bay extension on the right. The central bay projects slightly and includes an entrance framed by Ionic columns, topped with an entablature, a dentilled pediment, and a segmental fanlight.

Archaeology

In 1991 an archaeological survey conducted by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit uncovered evidence of a timber-framed structure predating the current building on the site. The investigation also revealed a well-preserved icehouse dating from the early 19th century. Additionally, the grounds showed signs of significant modifications during the 18th and 19th centuries, including various landscaping features.