Former Eagley Bridge School

The former Eagley Bridge School, built in 1851 and extended in 1872, with 20th-century alterations and additions, was designed by Whittaker and Woodhouse, architects of Bolton, for Messrs Chadwick Bros of Eagley Mills. Constructed of coursed squared Darwen sandstone with ashlar dressings, it features coped gables and a Welsh slated roof. The building is in the Gothic Revival style.

The original building has a linear plan, with 1972 extensions consisting of advanced wings linked by a crosswing. The front elevation has steeply pitched gables projecting to the left and right, with a recessed crosswing and gabled porches set into each angle between the crosswing and the gables. Tall, stepped three-light mullioned windows are set beneath hoodmoulds in the gables. The crosswing incorporates two two-light windows. Gables to the original 1851 building are defined by wide five-light mullion and transom windows within pointed arched openings.

The interior was altered in the 20th century, but retains arch-braced tie and collar beam trusses rising from corbels below wall plate level, supported by braced queen posts. The central parts of the tie beams are of circular section, creating a resemblance to hammer beam construction.

The school replaced an earlier cottage school dating back to 1791 and its development reflects the expansion of the nearby Eagley Mills spinning and finishing complex, which provided employment for the local community. The school serves as a rare example of educational provision by a cotton manufacturing company, and remained in use until the late 20th century.