Birchley Hall was bought by Christopher Anderton of Lostock, Bolton in about 1581. The present building was built by one son, James and extended by another son, Thurston in 1594. There is an inscription stone carved with 'TA 1594' on the front of the house, TA being attributed to Thurston. Thurston died in 1598 or 1599 and another brother, Christopher, lived at the Hall with his wife Anne Scarisbrick till 1613, when James died, and he inherited Lostock Hall. Another brother, Roger, lived at Birchley Hall till his death in 1640.