Alston Hall

Alston Hall is a Victorian country house in Longridge featuring gothic elements, a prominent entrance tower, and intricate stonework across its exterior facades. The Grade II listed building sits on Alston Lane, where its detailed architectural features remain visible today.

The building was constructed in 1876 for John Mercer, a colliery owner, reflecting the wealth that industry brought to the region. After being sold to Preston Borough Council in 1949, it served various purposes including as an educational institution and later as a training center.

The house reflects the building style that wealthy industrialists favored in the late 19th century, showing how prosperity from industry shaped local architecture. The detailed stonework and imposing tower reveal the craftsmanship and attention to detail that owners expected from builders of such homes.

The house is accessible from the exterior and sits in a rural setting near Alston Lane, so traveling by your own transport is recommended. The grounds are best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the stonework and facades.

The building passed through the hands of cotton manufacturers before being repurposed in the 1970s, showing how it adapted to changing needs over time. This shifting history is rarely highlighted and makes the house a testament to industrial transformation in northern England.

Location: Longridge

Inception: 1876

Architects: Alfred Darbyshire

GPS coordinates: 53.80000,-2.59600

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01