The Laurels

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 09/12/2014

SD 82 SE 13/8

BACUP BANKSIDE LANE The Laurels

(Formerly listed as Forest House)

19.6.1968

II* Large house, probably by John Foster of Liverpool c. 1828 (Pevsner): now partially restored but derelict. Ashlar, with hipped tiled roof (now no chimneys). T-plan: front block 5x3 bays with rear service wing 3x3 bays. Two-storey front, 3-storey rear wing to same height (plus cellars). In Neo-classical style. Symmetrical, 3-bay centre recessed behind 4 giant Ionic columns on a plinth broken in the centre by steps to doorway which has large fanlight with radiating glazing bars; 2 sashed windows at ground floor and 3 smaller ones above (some damaged); each flanking wing has a large round-headed window at ground floor (radiating glazing bars in head of that on left, otherwise glazing now missing), and a horizontal rectangular panel at 1st floor. Prominent cornice and low parapet continued on return walls. Three-bay return walls have tall windows at ground floor, shorter ones at 1st floor, those on the right restored with glazing bars. Side walls of rear wing have 3 windows each floor all restored with glazing bars (the topmost only 6 panes), rear wall has pedimented centre breaking forwards slightly with a large segmental-headed tripartite window at ground floor and one window at 2nd floor and the flanking bays have ground floor doors and windows above matching those of the sides. Interior: gutted, but elements of some features remain, principally the saucer-domed entrance hall with curved triangular pendentives (fragments of moulded plaster, e.g. Greek key frieze to dome), segmental arch to hall and stairwell, cantilevered stone imperial staircase of one flight and then two(balusters missing); lath framework for segmental coved ceiling in right wing.

Listing NGR: SD8674322768