Wardley Hall is an early medieval manor house and a Grade I listed building. The current hall dates from around 1500 but was extensively rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. There has been a moat on the site since at least 1292. Wardley Hall is the official residence of the Roman Catholic bishops of Salford, and NOT open to the public.

According to visitsalford.info, the skull kept here is that of Father Ambrose Barlow. He was one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, and the skull is preserved in a niche at the top of the main staircase. He was hanged, drawn and quartered at Lancaster on 10 September 1641 after confessing to being a Catholic priest. According to legend, it is a screaming skull.

However, according to Coxe, local legend has it that the skull belonged to one Roger Downes, a "Restoration rake-hell". Any removal of the skull from the hall would result in storms and screaming. For a comprehensive account, we suggest that you read Britain's Haunted Heritage by Keith B. Poole.

Pictured left is Wardley Hall courtesy of Keith Williamson.