Bolton

Bolton

Bolton is located in Greater Manchester, North West England. In the 14th century, in Bolton textiles were produced since Flemish weavers settled in the area. It also introduced wool and cotton weaving tradition. Development  in this town coincided with textile manufacturing introduction during the industrial revolution. In the 19th century Bolton was progressing and at its peak in 1929. The 26 bleaching and dyeing works and 216 cotton mills made it the largest and most cotton spinning centres in the world. After First World War, British cotton industry declined and almost stopped by  1980s.

Bolton is 10 miles north-west of Manchester and close to West Pennine Moors. Bolton is enclosed by many smaller towns and villages. Together they form the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton. Bolton is the administrative centre. Bolton town has a population of 139,. Historically it was part of Lancashire, Bolton emerged as a smallsettlement in moorland known as Bolton le Moors.

Football Club of Bolton plays games at Macron Stadium. Amir Khan the World lightweight champion is born in this town. Cultural interests at Bolton include Octagon Theatre, Art Gallery and Bolton Museum. Art Gallery is one of the earliest public libraries developed after Public Libraries Act 1850.

Education

Bolton School, An independent day school was founded in 1524 next to parish church as a grammar school for boys. Later this school was merged with free grammar school in 1656, and free grammar school was founded shortly after 1641. In 1898 this shifted to its existing location on Chorley New Road. In 1913 this school was merged with Bolton’s Girls Day School. The Bolton Church Institute located near the parish church in 1855 was founded by Canon James Slade. Later school became Canon Slade School that was shifted to Bradshaw. Bolton College provides higher education throughout the whole Borough. Sixth form college Bolton Sixth Form College consists of Farnworth Campus and Town Centre Campus. Bolton Technical Innovation Centre  supports the schools by providing technical training to the students. Earlier, it was known as Bolton Institute of Higher Education, but in 2005 the University of Bolton gained its university status.