Broughton: Discover History and Monuments

Broughton’s history encompasses a wide range of topics: a First World War memorial, a Civil War field fortification, the history of a church, a sundial and buildings with former everyday uses. The dates mentioned range from the 12th century or earlier to the opening of a museum in 1995. To help you make sense of it all, it is worth distinguishing between a building’s age, its former use and later changes.

War Memorials and the Civil War

Broughton in Amounderness War Memorial is listed as a Grade II building. It is a First World War memorial dating from 1921 and was altered in 1948. Its historical interest lies in its value as an eloquent testament to the impact of world events on the local community and to the sacrifices demanded by 20th-century conflicts. Its history thus connects a specific date of construction with a broader perspective on remembrance.

Cromwell's Mound is a rare surviving Civil War field fortification associated with the Second Civil War of 1648. Tradition links it to the Battle of Preston, which took place on 17 August 1648. Its setting in a shallow valley through which Moss Leach Brook flows is also noted. Both its military context and a particular landscape feature are therefore relevant to the mound; this distinguishes this historical trace from the commemoration of 20th-century conflicts.

Church, Sundial and Historic Buildings

The history of St John Baptist, Broughton began in the 12th century or earlier: at that time, the church served as the manor lord’s family chapel. Its oldest part is the tower, dating from 1533. The two dates refer to different aspects: the earlier chapel function is part of the church’s origins, while 1533 dates a specific building element.

Church Cottage Museum is located on Church Lane in Broughton, Preston. Church Cottage dates from the 18th century and opened as a museum in 1995. There is therefore a considerable gap between the building’s age and the start of its use as a museum. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

Another architectural detail is the sundial in Broughton churchyard. It probably dates from the 18th century. Its structure begins with a plain square base; above it is an octagonal (eight-sided), vase-shaped pedestal with a moulded square foot and cap. A brass plate and a curved gnomon are also part of its description. This object brings clear geometric forms together with the vase shape of the pedestal.

Toll Bar Cottage dates from the 1740s and at that time served as the home of a toll collector. Here, then, the date is linked to the building’s former function. Broughton Henge, by contrast, is a structure created from historic local gateposts by setting them upright again. The two examples draw attention to different aspects: Toll Bar Cottage to a house’s former use, and Broughton Henge to the reuse of historic building elements.

Understanding Dates in Context

The dates on this page do not all refer to the same event. For the War Memorial, 1921 indicates when it was created and 1948 a later alteration; for Church Cottage, its 18th-century date and the museum’s opening in 1995 mark two different stages. At St John Baptist, meanwhile, its origins as a family chapel and the date of its oldest part, the tower from 1533, belong to different periods. This distinction helps put historic buildings, their functions and later developments into context.

Discover more destinations: Over Kellet, Lea, Preston, Whalley, Scorton, Worsthorne, Rawtenstall, Bacup.

For the main travel overview: Lancashire.