A GRADE-II listed pub in Westhoughton is one of 21 fascinating places to have been listed by Historic England this year.

The White Lion, in Market Street, features in Historic England’s ‘guide to the unusual or surprising places’ that have been listed in 2016.

Historic England, which listed the pub as Grade-II in February, said the pub is one of a small number of pubs nationally which has remained substantially unaltered since 1945.

Formerly a post office, the public house still has a publican’s office and bell pushes in all rooms which Historic England said suggests “that efficient table service was the order of the day”.

The pub, owned by Joseph Holt Brewery, dates from the early 19th century and underwent a refit in the 1920s to “follow the principles of the ‘improved’ pubs movement which aimed to reduce drunkenness, particularly in urban pubs”.

The movement was to make pubs more family friendly places following World War One.

Another mark of its significant history is a plaque installed in 2012, which marks 200 years since the burning of a mill opposite the pub in 1812.

The crime was committed by the Luddites, who protested against the use of new machinery in the 19th century and was plotted in the pub.

Lisa Gledhill White Lion pub licensee said: “It is full of character. “It’s great that it has been recognised, especially in today’s climate with pubs struggling and closing down.”

The pub is one of more than 1000 places that have been listed by Historic England this year including buildings, war memorials, parks and gardens and protected wrecks.

Mike Power, Joseph Holt area manager for White Lion, said: “It is wonderful to see our pub receive recognition as one of 21 ‘fascinating places’ listed in England. Historic England’s Guide will help preserve the grade listed II pub’s heritage so that it may be enjoyed for future generations.”