SILVERWELL House has had a long and chequered history.
Currently offices for a number of businesses and organisations, including Bolton At Home, it was built in 1790 by Major John Pilkington who founded the Bolton branch of the Territorial Army.
The house was formerly a girls' school and has been a listed building since the 1970s.
This picture was taken in 1883. In 1886 a drill hall was attached to the house, where Bolton men trained before taking up active service in the army.
Soldiers trained at Silverwell House fought in both World Wars.
Later the building was turned into a sports and exhibition centre, and in 1996 there was a public outcry when it was suggested the building might be demolished to make way for a car park.
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