The house bears the inscription "IMS 1691" on its door and porch lintels, indicating construction in the late 17thcentury, likely for John and Mary Scott. The initials "IS" and "MS 1692" appear on interior fittings, confirming early ownership. Over time, the property underwent 19th and 20th-century additions, but retains much of its original character. The double-depth plan is considered an early example for a yeoman farmer's house, marking its architectural importance.[1]
Bent House was later associated with the Stott family, prominent in Littleborough during the 17th and 18thcenturies. The Stotts left detailed day books documenting household and trading life.[2]
On 2 January 1967, Old Bent House and Farmhouse were designated a Grade II* listed building.[1]
Architecture
The building is constructed from hammer-dressed stone and topped with a graduated stone-slate roof. Its layout follows a three-unit, double-depth plan, consisting of four bays arranged over two storeys, which reflects the architectural style of its period.[3]
A prominent feature of the exterior is the single-storey porch, which includes a moulded door surround and a segmental-arched lintel. The spandrels are enriched with decorative detailing, and the parapet above forms a simple classical entablature. The windows are equally distinctive: the ground floor contains three six-light mullioned windows with hood moulds, while the upper floor features a combination of four-light and two-light chamfered windows. Many of these openings retain their original leaded lights and iron bars, adding to the building's historic character.[1]
The gables are coped and finished with kneelers, and the chimneys display moulded bands, contributing to the overall sense of craftsmanship. Inside, the property preserves several original fittings, including a studded oak door, a plank-and-muntin screen, and a 17th-century well cupboard with butterfly hinges. A bolection-moulded fire surround adds further period detail. Notably, a cupboard on the first floor bears the carved inscription "MS 1692," offering a tangible link to the building's early history.[3]
Nearby listed structures
Three Grade II listed buildings and structures stand in close proximity to Old Bent House and Farmhouse, contributing to the historic character of the site. Immediately south-east of the farmhouse is a barn and shippon, originally serving as a stable. Built from hammer-dressed watershot stone with a graduated stone-slate roof, it features a large central doorway with a chamfered surround, flanking windows, and dressed owl holes in each gable. A datestone inscribed "IMS 1750" links the building to John and Mary Stott, the family associated with the main house.[4]
Another barn and shippon stands immediately east of Old Bent Farmhouse, also listed for its architectural value.[5] In the front garden of Old Bent House is a stone post, believed to be the remains of a sundial dated 1745, listed for its group value with the house.[6]
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