Risley Hall

Risley Hall dates from the 16th century and was built by the Willoughby family. The Willoughbys acquired the manor of Risley in 1350 and continued to be the main landholders for several centuries. They were responsible for the construction of the nearby church, and they founded a free school in the village. In Victorian times the hall was owned by a flamboyant entrepreneur by the name of Ernest Terah Hooley, who experienced mixed fortunes and spent time in Brixton Gaol for 'contempt of court' and fraud. He bought the hall in 1888 for £5000.