One of Littleborough’s notable features is its stone-built town centre, which has been designated as a Conservation Area due to its exceptional architectural qualities. Walking through the streets, one can’t help but appreciate the town’s heritage and the efforts taken to maintain its distinct character. The blend of old and new creates a captivating ambiance that appeals to residents and visitors alike.
Notable folk from Littleborough:
Littleborough’s charm extends beyond its physical boundaries. The town has been home to several noteworthy individuals who have made their mark in various fields.
Agyness Deyn, a prominent fashion model, was born in Littleborough. Born Laura Michelle Hollins; 16 February 1983) she is best known for her successful modelling career in the 2000s, and has been called one of the decade’s top models. Since her retirement from modelling in the 2010s, she has pursued acting and design, among other ventures.
Elizabeth Marguerita Mary Kershaw (born 30 July 1958) is an English radio broadcaster. She is the second-longest serving female national radio DJ in the UK (after Annie Nightingale), celebrating 30 years on national BBC Radio in 2017.
- Andrew J. G. Kershaw (born 9 November 1959) is a broadcaster and disc jockey, predominantly on radio, and known for his interest in world music. Kershaw’s shows feature a mix of country blues, reggae folk music, African music, spoken word performances and a wide variety of other music from around the world.
Keith Parry (died 2005) was a local author with several published works such as Trans-Pennine Heritage and a broadcaster with Greater Manchester Radio. He also played a vital role in the successful battle to re-open Rochdale Canal and was instrumental in the formation of the Littleborough Civic Trust.
Listed buildings of note in Littleborough:
Stubley Old Hall:
Estimated to be from the 15th century, Stubley Old Hall is an H-shaped house featuring a hall and cross-wings. The oldest part is the south wing, constructed with cruck framing. The hall and north wing are timber-framed, and around 1660, the front was covered in stone, with the rest later encased in brick. The house stands on a projecting plinth, adorned with quoins, and boasts a stone-slate roof. The doorway showcases a chamfered surround and an obtuse-angled lintel, while the windows are either mullioned and transomed or simply mullioned, some adorned with hood moulds. The property is classified as Grade II*. Location: 53.64107°N 2.11061°W
Shore Hall:
Built in 1605, Shore Hall has a T-shaped plan with a main range and a cross-wing on the right side. Constructed in stone on a projecting plinth, it features quoins and moulded eaves brackets. With two storeys and five bays, the house includes an outshut at the rear of the cross-wing. Its stone-slate roof and left gable, adorned with a ball finial, add to its charm. The doorway is accentuated by a chamfered surround and a Tudor arched lintel, while the windows are mullioned with hood moulds. This property is classified as Grade II*. Location: 53.65148°N 2.11813°W
Dearnley Old Hall:
Thought to have been constructed in the early to mid-17th century, Dearnley Old Hall is rendered in stone on a projecting plinth. Its stone-slate roof features coped gables. Offering two storeys, three bays, and a parallel range at the rear, this house boasts paired doors with chamfered surrounds and flat-arched lintels. The windows are mullioned with hood moulds, and inside, there is a timber-framed partition. This property is classified as Grade II*. Location: 53.63882°N 2.11923°W
Higher Windy Bank Farmhouse and Barn:
Dating back to the late 17th century, the farmhouse was modified in the 18th century, with the barn added to the right in the 19th century. The house is situated on a projecting plinth, showcasing quoins and a stone-slate roof. With two storeys, two bays, and a right outshut, the house features a central porch, a moulded doorway with an obtuse-angled lintel, and a coped parapet. The windows are mullioned. Inside the barn, you’ll find a round-headed cart entry, a segmental-headed shippon door, as well as other doors and windows. Classified as Grade II. Location: 53.64544°N 2.0430°W
The town, its suburbs of Calderbrook and Smithy Bridge, and the surrounding countryside contain 79 listed buildings that are recorded in the National Heritage List for England. For a much more detailed list, see Wikipedia.