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Marchwiel Hall and the surrounding estate has a rich history dating back centuries, it was originally built in the 17th century and there is a plaque that can still be found in the back wall of the north stable block with the inscription

 

‘BLESSED ARE THEY THAT TRUST IN GOD 1693’.

 

At this time Marchwiel Hall was home to the Broughton family, having been bequeathed from Henry Parry Esq of Basingwerk to Margaret Parry whose daughter married Morgan Broughton.

 

Morgan Broughton was the sheriff of Denbighshire in 1608 and apparently began consolidating his estate in Marchwiel as early as 1594 when he leased "from a Jasper Mottram and his wife Elizabeth a messuage and appurtenances in Marghweale”, this is believed to be the point of inception of the Marchwiel Hall Estate. His name appears in the deeds for the estate as early as 1575/6 and it is postulated that the first Marchwiel Hall was built at this time.

 

Marchwiel Hall and estate and buildings were bequeathed by Henry Parry to his heirs which in this case was his daughter Margaret who had married Morgan Broughton. Morgan Broughton's son and heir was to become the first Sir Edward , knighted at Hampton Court Palace in 1617/18.

Sir Edward married Frances Tyrell.

 

The Hall remained in the Broughton family for approximately two centuries until in 1801 it was sold to Samuel Riley Esq of Pickhill along with its two pews in Marchwiel church. Several owners came and went and during this period it is believed the Hall was developed into its current form. Then in 1882 the hall was acquired by Benjamin Piercy Esq for £18,437. Mr Piercy was a renowned civil engineer and worked with Henry Robertson who surveyed the line from Chester to Shrewsbury. He was involved with virtually all the plans for railway development in Wales. It was Mr Piercy who built the cricket ground as an attraction to visitors and local people. After his death in 1888 Mrs Piercy continued her involvement in the village. Mrs Piercy died in 1912, but her family have ensured that her memory would not be forgotten through the village. The church organ was presented in memory of the late Mr Piercy and Mrs Piercy's name adorns the present pulpit. Piercy Hall stands in the centre of the village, as does Piercy Avenue. 

 

In 1913 the hall along with the two church pews was bought by Sir Alfred McAlpine (son of Sir Robert McAlpine and descended from the Highland Clan McAlpin).  The company Sir Alfred McAlpine and son are known for their involvement in construction and engineering, contracts such as the Dorchester in London and Wembley stadium are part of their portfolio. They built approximately 10% of Britain's motorways including the M6 toll. They also had an active role in the local community and its surroundings, Sir Alfred was on multiple occasions President of Wrexham Football Club and for a long time President of Denbighshire Cricket Club. At the start of the Second World War the McAlpine company constructed a large air-raid shelter in the grounds of the school. It was specifically for those who lived in the middle of the village. One particularly memorable Christmas prize-giving was interrupted by an air-raid, however all was not lost since all attendees were able to complete the proceedings “down below”. The cricket grounds continue to be an important part of the local community, now the home of Marchwiel and Wrexham Cricket Club. Exciting and notable moments in its recent history include when Marchwiel won the Whitbread Trophy of village cricket at Lords in 1980 and 1984.

 

Marchwiel Hall has remained a family home since 1913 and now houses its 5th generation.