The lease is an important document that adds to our knowledge of the history of Great Harwood in many ways.

The most outstanding feature of the lease is the wonderful plan of Birches farm and the fields belonging to the farm in 1854. The names of the fields give vital clues as to the way land was held in the town in earlier years and gives clues as to the extent of the former parklands.

It also provides valuable information about:

· The origins of the Plough Inn
· The use of water
· Farming practice in Great Harwood
· Landholders in that area of the town