The Manor of Barlow in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, was long held by a family who adopted that surname, with one Thomas de Barlow having been in residence there from about 1200. By 1389 Roger de Barlow was in possession not only of lands in Barlow, but others in Chorlton, Hardy, and Withington.
The Barlows had built Barlow Hall, as well as a small half-timbered chapel, on lands which they had held in the area since the 13th century. In 1567 Alexander Barlow was Lord of the Manor, and unfortunately for him, was among many local Manchester Catholics who fell foul of the religious changes made by Queen Elizabeth I, was committed to prison and died in custody on 24 August 1584.
A notable member of the family was Edward Barlow, later known as Saint Ambrose Barlow, a famous local Catholic martyr. Ambrose Barlow, who had done missionary work in Lancashire, was several times imprisoned, and was finally executed for his priesthood on the instructions of Parliament on 10 September 1641 at Lancaster.
In 1773 the family estates were sold and Barlow Hall has since then remained the property of the Egerton family of Tatton.
In March 1879 a fire broke out at Barlow Hall in and its west wing was almost entirely destroyed. All trace of the original great hall were lost and a great deal of damage done to other parts of the building. The Barlow family name is still remembered by Barlow Moor Road which runs east-west through much of the district.
Barlow Hall is now a golf club house.
