THIS week we are taking a look at a famous local landmark — a building with an incredible history.

Hall i'th' Wood is a rare surviving example of a Tudor wooden-frame house — considering its composition it is not stretching the imagination to understand why so few would survive the years.

It was built as a half-timbered hall as far back as the early 16th century.

When it came to the mid 17th century Hall i'th' Wood — off Crompton Way — was owned by a very wealthy family and it was given a rather grand Jacobean-style stone extension.

Later on this impressive building was split into several homes that were rented out and is while living in one of these, with his family, that Samuel Crompton famously invented the Spinning Mule which was to revolutionise the cotton industry of course.

Prior to that Samuel had lived, not far away, in Firwood Fold which is still a popular attraction for sightseers.

He was born on December 3, 1753 at number 10 Firwood Fold to George and Betty Crompton. Later the family moved to Hall i'th' Wood where his father was a caretaker.

His Spinning Mule was the first multiple spindle machine capable of consistent fine yarn production. It revolutionised the UK’s textile industry and literally shaped the fortunes of Bolton and the north generally.

Hall i’ th’ Wood was a home up to the late 19th century, after which it fell into disrepair.

Thanks to Lord Leverhulme, local businessman and philanthropist, the building was saved from ruin and much-needed repairs were undertaken.

The house and grounds were presented to the people of Bolton in memory of Samuel Crompton and were opened to the public as a museum in 1902.

Today it is a place where you can enjoy displays of 17th and early 18th century furniture, objects and artefacts, learn more about the fascinating life and work of Samuel Crompton and discover all about life in Stuart and Tudor times.

The rooms have been accurately refurbished to retain their homely atmosphere and the Lancashire kitchen, cosy Brownlow bedroom, fine oak panelling and ornate plasterwork all bring to life times gone by in this fascinating family house.

The name represents "Hall in the Wood' spoken in the local regional English dialect.

An episode of the television programme Most Haunted was filmed in the hall in 2008.

Do you have any memories you would like to share of the hall or other Bolton landmarks.

If so we would love to hear from you.

Contact Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk