The longest version is a fictionalised account in a book called In Olden Days written by a local vicar (Revd.

While the father was away the wicked uncle killed both his nephews, throwing them over the battlements into the moat of what was presumably a fortified house.

(or words to that effect) and the father awoke, sending his evil brother running terrified to plunge to his death.

[6] This says: "After many changes of occupants it is now in part used as a country alehouse; other portions of it are inhabited by the labouring classes, who find employment in that populous manufacturing district.

The other, Lancashire Legends by Katherine Eyre (1972), says that from 1818 to 1869 it was a public house called the Horse and Hounds, but generally known as the Black Sloven, the name of a favourite hunting mare of legendary speed which belonged to the former owner, Mr Charles Turner.

In the late 1980s, following the building's purchase by the environmental organisation Pennine Heritage, rumours of a large-scale theme park centred on the hall led to the formation of a local residents' group to petition councillors for assurances their properties would not be compulsorily purchased.

At one point there was a suggestion that Clegg Hall, which is near the Rochdale Canal, could be turned into a museum, but this proved too expensive.

Due to private ownership, it is no longer open to the public but videos and photos of the restoration are available.