It was originally called The Grove. After Mr. Orrell's untimely death aged 33, Mr. James Watts, a former Major of Manchester, purchased the house in 1849 and changed its name to Abney Hall. The house was extended and visited by many eminent figures of the day, including Prince Albert, King Edward V11 and Prime Ministers Disraeli and Gladstone. Agatha Christie spent many a happy Christmas here and it is featured in her book ‘The Adventures of the Christmas Pudding' and was the setting for her novel ‘After the Funeral'.
