Built in 1676 and also known as Rainhill Cottage.
Stuccoed brick, stone roof, 2 storeys. Main block much altered. Older wing has gable end facing road, with a 3-light casement window on each floor with labels. Stair projection is in angle between wing and main block. Garden front of wing is built in stone, with a 4-light stone-mullioned window on each floor
On coach journeys from Liverpool to Manchester, the first stage where horses were changed was at Rainhill. The Bretherton family built stabling for over 200 horses next to the Ship Inn.
Following the establishment of a toll gate at Kendrick’s Cross, a second toll bar was set up at Rainhill Stoops. On one day in 1843 the records show that 14s 4d was collected at “Kenwrick’s Cross” and £4 11s at Rainhill Stoops.
Smithy Cottage is a Grade II Listed Builidng on the Historic England website.