Historic pub named among 21 'most fascinating' places to visit in England

The 19th century White Lion in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester, formerly the town’s post office, made the 2016 must-see list for having "remarkably intact" features from the 1920s.

These include "bell pushes in every room", suggesting that "efficient table service was the order of the day", public body Historic England, which champions and protects the nation’s historic places, said. 

“A 1920s refit followed the principles of the ‘improved’ pubs movement, which aimed to reduce drunkenness, particularly in urban pubs,” Historic England’s description stated. 

“More visibility throughout the interior, larger windows, more comfortable facilities and better quality, modern, but homely, decoration all consciously appealed to families and to a mix of income and classes.”

A plaque, fitted in 2012 to commemorate 200 years since the Luddites burnt down a mill opposite the pub in 1812, is also featured on the outside of the building. 

Rich and relevant

Britain’s oldest water chute ride in Northamptonshire, Crimean War gunboat sheds and a recently exposed shipwreck in Somerset, were among the other attractions to make the "most fascinating" list. 

“Historic England strives to keep the list rich and relevant so that the best of our, often weird and wonderful, heritage can continue to be enjoyed and understood for future generations,” Roger Bowdler, director of listing at Historic England said.

“Our island is full of historic places with intriguing stories, many of which can be found on the National Heritage List for England. We want to draw attention to the lesser known sites listed this year, which all play a role in telling us about England’s history.”