The old coaching house dates from 1671 and is situated 1,300 feet above sea level.

The Coach & Horses (the original name) is where "the young bloods of Littleborough having guarded the mail coach from highwaymen would seek recompense for their labours with vigorous application to strong liquors"

Christmas 1894, Queen Victoria is on the throne and the people of Rochdale are distracted by a gripping saga which became known as the Blackstone Edge Affair.

A poorly dressed man, after ordering a whisky, pulled out a revolver and took aim and fired at the landlord, Mr Peter McIntyre. The bullet entered his left arm, shattering the bone and inflicted an ugly wound. The landlady shouted for help and the man then shot her. The bullet penetrated her bodice, glanced off the steel of her corset and thus she escaped unhurt.

Robert Ackrigg was committed for trial for the attempted murders of Peter and Ellen McIntyre.