A Preston pub, gardens in the Lake District and Roman stones in Cumbria are just some of the places in the North West that have gained protection.

In total, 58 historic places in the North West have been added to the National Heritage List for England during 2020.

Historic England have released the list today and highlights include a unique 16th century collection of original and copied Roman stones in Appleby, and ingeniously camouflaged pillboxes on Saddleworth Moor, built by military planners in the early years of the Second World War to defend key roads into Manchester in the event of invasion.

Heritage Minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: "I am delighted that these important sites have been listed this year. These significant additions to the list span the whole country - from Nottingham to Kent, Andover to Cumbria, and include something for everyone to enjoy. I am grateful that, thanks to these listings, these heritage sites will continue to enrich our communities for generations to come."

Catherine Dewar, North West Regional Director, added: “Every year, we work with painstaking care to identify and protect the most significant historic sites up and down the great counties, towns and cities of the North West. Despite the challenges that everyone has faced this year, 2020 has seen some wonderful additions to the List.

"From the engineering marvel which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the River Irwell in Salford, to lost Roman altars saved within a wall in Appleby, Cumbria, we have taken action to protect the cultural heritage cherished by communities across the region.”

Here's a look at the places in the North West that have been added to the list:

The Gardens at Graythwaite Hall, Cumbria: Grade II* Listed

Graythwaite Hall, Cumbria


The gardens at Graythwaite Hall in the Lake District were created between 1889 and 1895, at a time when garden design was at a crossroads and moving towards the Arts and Crafts principles of the early 20th century.

They were designed by Thomas Mawson, who is widely considered to be the founder of modern landscaping and was one of the most influential garden designers of the early 20th century. The gardens were Mawson’s first major design, in which he pioneered his ‘composite’ garden: a combination of the formal and informal.

The Gardens at Graythwaite Hall, Cumbria

Surrounded by extensive woods that are said to have been a favourite of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, the landscape of Graythwaite is enchanting, and Mawson’s gardens are no exception. From a Dutch garden that features a striking sundial to the beautiful rose garden, Graythwaite is a popular spot for visitors during the summer months, and still fully reflects the original design.

The gardens in Ulverston are now Grade II* listed.

Plau, Preston: Grade II listed

Plau in Preston


A newly renovated and award-winning bar, the former Plough Inn has been a public house since the 18th century. It was originally associated with the notorious gin craze and later linked to the beginning of the temperance movement.

Thomas Swindlehurst, a leading national temperance crusader, decided to forswear all alcohol whilst drinking at the establishment in 1832. His actions anticipated the adoption of teetotalism by the temperance movement, a cause to which he dedicated the rest of his life. The building has a number of notable architectural features, including a handmade brick vault containing a mash-pit and stand, probably the previous location of a still where the gin was made.

On the top floor, an unusual reed and plaster ceiling is preserved. The careful restoration of the premises by the present owner achieved national recognition in April, winning "Best Conversion To Pub Use" by CAMRA and Historic England in the National Pub Design Awards.

The cellar at Plau. Pictured: Jeremy Rowlands, Tracy Hargreaves and Rebecca Rowlands
The cellar at Plau. Pictured: Jeremy Rowlands, Tracy Hargreaves and Rebecca Rowlands

The listing of the premises followed an application from the owner, Jeremy Rowlands, who worked closely with Preston City Council’s conservation officer to ensure this remarkable building has now achieved national recognition.

Plau at 115 and 115a Friargate is now Grade II listed.

Jeremy said: “I am delighted that Historic England has chosen to recognise the special history of Plau. It’s been an incredibly tough year and this news has given us a real boost as we look forward to welcoming back our customers in 2021. If, like Thomas Swindlehurst, you’re planning a dry January, we also offer some very tasty non-alcoholic cocktails.”

Bainbrigg Stones, Appleby-in-Westmorland: Grade II Listed

Bainbrigg Stones, Appleby-in-Westmorland


Part of Appleby’s unique 16th century collection of original and copied Roman stones, once owned by celebrated antiquarian and local headmaster Reginald Bainbrigg, are now on display within a wall between Chapel Street and King George’s Field.

The wall incorporates 16 stones including a number of copies of Roman altars, at least one of which has been lost, and so the surviving copy on Chapel Street has extra significance. Original stones include a Roman altar from Whellep Castle, Kirby Thore, with a dedication to the local Celtic deity Belatucadrus. Bainbrigg’s collection contributes to our knowledge of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman Cumbria.

They are now grade II listed.

Ollerton School House, Knutsford: Grade II listed

Ollerton School House in Knutsford
Ollerton School House in Knutsford


The School House was built in 1692 as a result of a bequest in the will of Samuel Leigh to provide a teacher's house in the village of Ollerton. A schoolroom was also built attached to it, opposite the pond and green in the heart of the village.

A new school was built opposite in 1876 following the passing of the Education Act of 1870, and School House became the headmaster's house for the new school.

The building of the school commenced a period of some 300 years of continuous education in a very small rural village, until the new school closed in 1994. The School House is a simple rural building retaining the layout and features of the school, as it was prior to the new school being built in 1876.

John McKenna, a spokesperson for the owners (the Trustees of the Ollerton Education Foundation – a charitable trust) said: “We are delighted that this historic building has now been listed by Historic England to preserve and protect it for the future.”

It is now Grade II listed.

Barton Lane Aqueduct Portal, Salford: Grade II listed

Barton Lane Aqueduct Portal, Salford


A marvel of engineering in 1761, the Barton aqueduct carried the Bridgewater Canal over the River Irwell. At the time, the idea of sailing a barge over another navigable waterway was extraordinary. The Duke of Bridgewater, who commissioned the canal, initially compared engineer James Brindley’s concept to building “castles in the air”.

Brindley’s confidence and the Duke’s faith in him were rewarded. The project was an instant success, halving the price of coal in Manchester almost overnight through increased supply, and the aqueduct drew crowds of tourists to see this 'wonder of the age'.

The arch across Barton Lane was the first in Britain to carry a canal over a public road. The arch was constructed to support the weight of the water, which was contained within a walled channel, lined with puddled clay.

The present arch of Classical design dates from 1820s improvements. When the aqueduct was replaced in the 1890s by the swing aqueduct (itself unique), the affection for the earlier structure led to this arch being rebuilt alongside the road it used to straddle. This is an early example of industrial heritage being recognised and preserved for future generations.

Second World War pillboxes at Saddleworth Moor in Oldham: Grade II listed

Second World War pillbox on Saddleworth Moor
Second World War pillbox on Saddleworth Moor


Built in 1940 or 1941 when the threat of imminent invasion was a real concern for Britain’s military planners, these defences guarded key road routes into Manchester over the moors from Yorkshire. They did not form part of a ‘stop line’, but were part of a defended locality, protecting road routes across Saddleworth Moor from Barnsley and Hudderfield to Manchester.

They were built in two locations on Saddleworth Moor in Oldham, at Bleak Hey Nook and Yeoman Hey Reservoir.

Both locations made good use of natural camouflage and provided openings (also known as embrasures) for rifles or light machine guns. Unlike the majority of pillboxes built at the time which were standard models of reinforced concrete, these defences were individually designed, and brick and stone was incorporated into their construction.

One of the grade II listed pillarboxes at Saddleworth Moor
One of the grade II listed pillarboxes at Saddleworth Moor

Discover listed buildings and places on your doorstep this Christmas If you’re looking for an outdoor activity over the festive break, why not explore and find out more about the listed buildings and places in your local area? Just type in your postcode and an interactive map will show what’s nearby.

It is now Grade II listed.

Historic England is also inviting you to ‘Enrich the List’ with your photos, drawings and knowledge of England's spectacular historic places. Your contributions will be added to the National Heritage List which has more than 400,000 entries from tower blocks and tombstones to palaces and pigsties, castles and cathedrals.

You don't need to be an expert to enrich the List. Welcome additions might include children’s drawings or a budding photographer’s images. Visit historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

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