A HISTORIC 17th Century house which has been owned by civil war greats and famous founders is up for sale.

Bank House in Adelaide Terrace, Blackburn, dates back to around 1611 and is thought to be one of the town’s oldest properties.

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It has been home to Vimto creator John Noel Nichols and there is a purple plaque outside the house honouring his time there.

It was also the site where on Christmas Day in 1642 Sir Gilbert Hoghton of Preston conducted his famous bombardment of Blackburn early in the English Civil War, which is also marked by a plaque.

The Grade II-listed building is now owned by Marketa Wilson, who has lived at the property for 11 years, and is on the market for £310,000.

She moved in with her late husband Philip Wilson, whose family has been in the house since 1916.

Mrs Wilson, 38, said: “I was shocked when I first heard all about it. My husband said you have to come and see my house, but I had no idea what to expect.

“It’s like a small castle, it’s astonishing. What I like most is the garden and the view.

“It’s nice and secluded and it makes you feel like you could be anywhere.

“It’s really a family home and it needs a new owner who appreciates what it is, the potential and the history behind it.”

The grandfather of Mr Wilson, Albert, bought the house in 1916 for just £600.

Mrs Wilson lives at the house with her eight-year-old son Karel and their dog Mylo.

The house underwent major improvements in the Victorian era and modernisation in the post-Edwardian era, but still retains most of its Jacobean features.

Features of the house include a stained glass window depicting an angel, a large leafy garden and several traditional fire places.

She said: “I really hope that we can find new owners who will embrace the potential and respect its history.”