A FASCINATING piece of Bolton’s brewing history is set to go under the hammer this week.

The Old Ale House, which is at number one Ainsworth Lane in Tonge Fold was built around 1580 but more recently was used as a three bedroom home rather than a business premises.

This 16th century grade two listed detached property, once used as a public house, will appear at auction tomorrow, Thursday and has a guide price of more than £150,000.

Andy Thompson, senior valuer at SDL Auctions North West, based in Manchester, said: “The Old Ale House is a stunning residence full of character with period features throughout, including the original beer cellar.

“This is a rare opportunity to purchase an historic home and we are expecting strong interest.”

The Old Ale House used to be called Tonge Studs and apparently had a connection to racing of horses and carts which took place in what was Stanley Park, opposite the property.

It is believed animals may well have stayed at the property overnight on their way to the abattoir.

A man brewed ale at the house, possibly without a licence, and there is thought to have been a connection with the nearby Bowling Green pub.

The 1881 census shows a “washer woman” called Edna Schofield lived there and a man called Benjamin Crook and his family lived at the pub and they are thought to have been connected.