Low Hill House

SD 62 SE DARWEN BURY FOLD LANE

4/13 Low Hill House - - II

House, built c.1812 for Samuel Crompton, subsequently enlarged by addition of wings etc, now divided into flats. Coursed squared sandstone centre, sandstone random rubble wings, parts rendered, slate roofs (hipped on wings), various chimneys. Original house in centre is double pile, 3 bays, 2 storeys, symmetrical: entrance in centre has open pedimented Tuscan doorcase with semi-circular fanlight; 2 windows at ground floor and 3 above are all tall with altered glazing. Projecting wings of 2 higher storeys have triple windows at ground floor, with tetrastyle pedimented architraves, a tall window above, and moulded cornice; left wing is rendered and painted white, glazing of ground floor window altered; right wing appears to have original glazing to ground floor window, but render has been removed exposing rubble wall. Side and rear walls of less interest, interior altered. History: Samuel Crompton, inventor of spinning mule, lived here for 5 years while engaged in commercially unsuccessful bleaching business in Darwen; house was later the residence of Eccles Shorrock, owner of India Mill (q.v.). (References: Shaw,Darwen and its People p.159; Abram Blackburn passim).

Listing NGR: SD6942320971