Things to do in Bolton, Greater Manchester
The first settlement began as Bolton le Moors. It was first recorded as Boelton in 1185. The surrounding moors have been inhabited for thousands of years as can be seen by the stone circle and Bronze Age burial mounds in the area.
During the 14th century Flemish weavers settled in the area and began a wool and cotton weaving industry. During the Industrial Revolution, Bolton was at the heart of textile manufacturing with 216 mills and 26 bleach and dye works. It was one of the most industrious cotton spinning areas in the world. The ample streams from the moors and local coal mines were an added asset.
During the English Civil War Bolton was staunchly Parliamentarian. It was attacked by 3,000 Royalists under Prince Rupert, 1600 residents were killed and 700 more taken prisoner. The 1644 event became known as the Bolton Massacre.
During World War I Bolton was badly bombed by Zeppelins. After the war the demand for cotton began to slump. By 1980 almost all the mills had closed.
Present Day Bolton
Bolton has a population of just under 140,000 people with many more in the adjoining towns and villages. It has a large Asian community.
Things to Do Around Bolton
Hall i'th' Wood is a medieval yeoman farmhouse, home to inventor Samuel Crompton, a pioneer in the spinning industry.
It is now a popular local attraction.
Bolton Wanderers F.C. is in the English Football League and can be seen in action at the Reebok Stadium.
Visit Ye Old Man and Scythe pub, circa 1251, and sit in the chair used by the 7th Earl of Derby before he was beheaded in 1651.
Order a pint of the local specialty - Cloudy Cider.
The Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre is a local museum celebrating the life of this local steeplejack.
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Days Out in Bolton
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Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive (<1 Mile)*
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Smithills Hall and Estate (2 Miles)*
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Heaton Hall (8 Miles)*
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Imperial War Museum North (8 Miles)*
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Salford Museum & Art Gallery (9 Miles)*
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Ordsall Hall (10 Miles)*
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Rossendale Museum (10 Miles)*
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People's History Museum (10 Miles)*
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Museum of Science and Industry (10 Miles)*
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Astley Hall (10 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Bolton
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Bury (5 Miles)*
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Ramsbottom (6 Miles)*
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Prestwich (7 Miles)*
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Salford (8 Miles)*
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Heywood (8 Miles)*
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Wigan (8 Miles)*
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Chorley (9 Miles)*
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Brinscall (9 Miles)*
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Middleton (Gt Mcr) (9 Miles)*
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Rawtenstall (10 Miles)*
Also near Bolton |
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