Photographs from yesteryear and old maps chart the fascinating history of Westhoughton in a new exhibition.
The exhibition staged by Westhoughton Local History Group is proving extremely popular, attracting many members of the public, as well as a number of civic and notable figures, all interested in enhancing their knowledge of the Westhoughton of yesteryear.
‘Westhoughton’s History in Old Maps and Photographs’ located in the library complements this year's National Heritage Open Days, was officially opened last month by the Town Mayor of Westhoughton, Cllr Neil Maher.
The latest VIP visitor was the newly-elected MP for Bolton West, Phil Brickell, who was hosted by the chairman and vice-chairman of the heritage group.
The displays chart many of the significant happenings in Westhoughton’s long and rich history, including The Burning of Westhoughton Mill (the Luddite rebellion of 1812), The Pretoria Pit Disaster of 1910 (in which 344 men and boys lost their lives in an instant), the origins of some of the town’s famed institutions, including Wingates Band and Westhoughton Cricket Club, plus aspects of the town’s industrial history, encompassing coal-mining, cotton mills and railways.
Mr Brickell said: “I really enjoyed being shown around the current exhibition in Westhoughton library by David Kaye and Garth Ratcliffe of Westhoughton Local History Group.
"It is fantastic to see many of the pioneering achievements of Westhoughton people over the decades – in fact, centuries – and I would like to acknowledge the hard work that the local heritage volunteers have done to record Westhoughton’s history for all to see and enjoy”.
With a huge amount of new residential development in the town in recent decades, visitors have been fascinated to view the old maps from many eras, dating back to the early 19th century, and to see where their house stands now.
Similarly, residents living in older properties have been particularly attracted by a segment of the exhibition comprising a series of atmospheric black-and-white aerial photographs from the 1950s.
The free exhibition will remain in place until Monday, November 4th, and can be viewed during all scheduled library opening hours.
Westhoughton Local History Group will hold its monthly meeting this Thursday - October 17th - in the Carnegie Hall (accessed via the library upper level) starting at 10:30am, when the guest speaker will be Graham Stirrup.
The subject of his presentation is ‘Mediaeval Rouen’, and will incorporate the dramatic story of Joan of Arc.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here