A historic pub in Stockport town centre has been designated as Grade II listed.

The Angel Inn - a 16th-century pub on Market Place - was added to the national heritage list by the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Historic England said the pub was 'truly remarkable'. Carrying out a survey, they found that although the pub was built in the 16th century, some of the timbers come from trees which were felled much earlier - as early as 1086, during the reign of William the Conqueror.

As well as its medieval provenance, the building is suffused with 500 years of history from the early modern period and beyond.

It hosted meetings of Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, as well as theatrical and musical performances in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It was also home to Samuel Chadwick - a Victorian tea and coffee dealer - and R.H Rostron, the draper after whom Rostron Brow is named.

The building also includes beautiful 19th century plaster work (Image - Stockport Council)

Crispin Edwards, Listing Adviser at Historic England, said: "The Angel Inn not only preserves historic timbers and building materials from the 16th century and earlier, but its later alterations also tell the story of its development from inn to cultural venue to multi-use commercial property. The survival of a floorboard from a tree that was growing during the time of the Domesday Book is truly remarkable."

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "We're incredibly proud that the Angel Inn has been listed by Historic England.

"The pub is in the heart of our Market Place and is not only a striking architectural landmark but also a rare and tangible link to our town's rich and varied past.

"From the medieval floorboards to its role in the English Civil War, the Angel Inn has an incredible history.

"We're proud to be leading the UK's biggest town centre regeneration, and we're equally as proud of preserving our heritage for the future. We're delighted the Angel is now receiving the protection it deserves."

Some of the timbers in the Angel Inn come from trees which were felled in the Middle Ages (Image - SMBC)

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said: "The listing of The Angel Inn as a Grade II heritage site is a proud moment for our town. It's one of Stockport's oldest buildings and has played many roles in the town's history.

"From its role in the English Civil War to hosting concerts and community events, The Angel Inn has long been a cornerstone of local life. I'm delighted that its historical and cultural significance is being formally recognised and protected for future generations."

The Stockport Heritage Trust said: "We are pleased to acknowledge that another medieval addition to our market place has received the recognition that it deserved with the Grade II listing of the Angel Inn."

~

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter