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The various buildings of the former cloth factory, some dating possibly to
late C18, set adjacent to large pond, form an excellent group.
The South-East block: Contains to West the 1803 water factory. Purple brick
with stone strings to 8 bays of segmental headed windows having glazing bars
on 1st floor. Now only 3 storeys (originally 5). Tall blocked window to
left with quoins to round headed arch indicates position of former engine
house. This block was extended to East in 1829 with larger engine house;
the tall round headed window with red brick voussoirs survives; a boiler
house attached with tall square stack. Further East is a 2 storey 6 window
block. This range ends with a 3 storey circa 1860s block of 3 windows (segmental
headed).
The North block: 1868. Probably W. J. Stent. 2 storey, formerly 4 storey,
range of 14 bays. Brick also but with stone dressings; window heads, keystones
and moulded impost bands raised over stilted segmental headed window.
The North-West block: Now the principal and best preserved part of Bitham
Hill and the most interesting for its domestic appearance. Early C19. 3
storeys and basement. Purple brick. Slate roof. 6 windows on 2nd floor
(modern casements) and on ground floor, 7 on 1st floor, small pane-casements.
Brick flat arches to windows. 2nd bay from left is a fine pedimented Tuscan
door piece with attached columns (now lacking bases). flipped slate roof with
double span. The returns and back mid C19 with 3 ranges of segmental headed
windows with stone surrounds on 4 floors to north. Joined by lower courtyard
and set back range to South-East block. Interior: floors supported by brick
vaults and cast iron pillars, fluted, with ornamental pedestals and cast iron
beams.