Earlier Houses: The first Rivington Hall was built circa 1478 and replaced by the current house in the 1780s.

House & Family History: In 1202 the Rivington Estate was owned by Alexander de Pilkington. The first Rivington Hall was built circa 1478 and replaced by the current house in the 1780s. James Pilkington, born 1520, died as bishop of Durham 1575. He was one of the six divines who corrected "The Book of Common Prayer." Pilkington was also noted for his patronage of the revival of the Greek tongue at Cambridge. There are datestones indicating that the rear parts of the House were built in 1713 and 1732. In 1898 William Lever, later 1st Viscount Lever, purchased the Estate for £60,000 from John Crompton.

Garden & Outbuildings: Rivington Great House Barn, today a tourist information center and café, is believed to date back as far as 811. The roof of the Barn is a Scandinavian design. Rivington Castle was built by Lord Leverhulme and stands in Lever Park; it's a replica of the long-demolished Liverpool Castle in ruins.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Robert Andrews, Esq.

Past Seat / Home of: Alexander de Pilkington, 13th century; Pilkington family here until the 17th century. John Crompton, 19th century. William Hesketh Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme 19th-20th centuries.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Grounds owned and maintained by North West Water and open to the public. The House is owned by Robert Andrews and not open to the public.

House Open to Public: Grounds Only

Historic Houses Member: No