Manley Knoll

Manley Knoll stands on land with a complex history. In 1849, Captain John Wilson Fox bought the Manley estate, covering most of the parish, but later divided and sold it in 1912.

Fox was behind donating the land to build the adjacent St. Johns church on the main Manley Road. It was built in 1906 as a mission church, and the beautiful stained glass window behind the alter was made in memory of Fox’s young wife, who died at just 23 years of age.

Before this sale, in 1909, Liverpool tin merchant William Llewellyn Jones leased the land for Manley Knoll for 999 years. By 1912, he and his wife were living in the house, though construction took years, interrupted by World War I and financial constraints.

In 1920, Jones sold Manley Knoll and 72 acres to George Constantine Demetriadi, a member of the influential Greek Ralli family. Unlike Jones, Demetriadi had the means to commission a grand redesign.

In 1922 they commissioned the architect James Henry Sellers transform the interiors in a refined neo-Georgian style, likely influencing the garden as well. The designs for the dining room fireplace are lodged in the Manchester University library.

Sellers was seen as an important link between the high designs of the Victorian era, and the simpler lines of the modernist movement that was to follow.

Fireplaces, internal doors, door and widow furniture and an ornate central staircase are all evidence of Sellers work. He also designed fine furniture, notable for the brass ‘feet’ and inlays featured.

The Fildes family, a local business family (Dry Cleaners like the Timpsons) bought the estate in the 1940s. The estate still included Sunnybank Farm and cottages 1-4 along the Manley Road.

The renowned Sheila and David Fildes resided there and brought up their family. They were very influential in the village school and local community. We have many visitors who remember happy outings to the garden through the Manley School and local Scouts groups.

We have also had many recollections from relatives of people who worked for the Fildes from chauffeurs to cooks in these happy and sociable times.

Richard and Trish Fildes and family lived in the house following Sheila’s death, until selling in 2011. Richard was a director at Aintree and Grand National weekends were the highlight of the social calendar. The Fildes were renowned for the very best parties.

The Timpson family: Purchased in 2011.

By this time Manley Knoll was the main house and garages, and 3 and 4 Knoll cottages only.

The family were delighted to purchase St. Johns from the Parish in 2024, returning it to being part of the original Manley Knoll Estate.