The Briars

The Briars is a house dated 1763, with a rear addition from the early 19th century. It is constructed from watershot coursed sandstone with quoins and features a slate roof that has a chimney on the ridge and at the right gable, along with three skylights. The building has a two-bay plan, originally single depth but extended to the rear to accommodate a later staircase. It has a basement and two and a half storeys.

The front of the house, which faces the square, is symmetrical with an original central door that leads up steps to a raised ground floor, although this door has been blocked. There are two tall windows on each floor, all with prominent plain surrounds, now fitted with shutters and top-hung casements. The left corner is chamfered at the ground floor. Both return walls have one window on each floor similar to those at the front, and there is an oval attic light. The right return includes a basement door and window, while the rear extension features a tall sashed stairlight with glazing bars.

The interior has been altered but still contains some doors with six fielded panels. Historically, the house is said to have been built as lodging for visitors seeking treatment from John Taylor, known as the "Whitworth doctor" of Whitworth House.