Orford Hall St Michaels Convent

Orford House has been home to many notable residents. It was home of William Golightly from 1786 to his death in 1812. Francis Love Beckford (1789–1875), merchant, landholder and slave owner, died here in April 1875. His daughter lived here until 1906. Frances Margaret Hornby (1843–1924), youngest sister of Emily Hornby, lived here from 1909 until her death in 1924. She possibly painted the Egyptian artwork in the summer house which were discovered in 1936. The house was sold in 1925 to Colonel Arthur Spencer Pratt and he changed the name to Orford Hall. He died here in 1933 and his funeral was held at St Andrew's Church, Ham. In the 1930s his wife would hold garden parties here. Sir Weldon…

Orford House was built 1730–1734, of three-storeys with five windows. A glass entrance with a porch was added to the south west side in 1893–1894, a small eastern extension was added in 1911 and another extension on the north-west side in 1933. Finally, two large wings and the chapel were added in 1956 to the east and west. These wings and chapel were demolished when the site was converted to flats.