Clayton-le-Woods facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clayton-le-Woods |
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 St Bede's Catholic Church, Clayton-le-Woods |
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 Clayton-le-Woods
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| Population | 15,065 (2021 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SD560222 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHORLEY |
| Postcode district | PR6 |
| Post town | LEYLAND |
| Postcode district | PR25 |
| Dialling code | 01257 01772 |
| Police | Lancashire |
| Fire | Lancashire |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Clayton-le-Woods (often called Clayton) is a big village in Lancashire, England. It's part of the Borough of Chorley. In 2001, about 14,528 people lived there. By 2011, the population grew to 14,532, including people from the nearby Cuerden area.
Contents
Discovering Clayton-le-Woods' Past
What Was Clayton Hall?
South-west of the village, in Bluebell Woods, you can find the old site of Clayton Hall. This building from the 1600s is no longer standing. It was built on a moated site, which means it was surrounded by a ditch filled with water.
Historians think this moat dates back to the medieval period. Parts of the water-filled moat are still there today. You could cross into the hall area using a raised path. Nearby, there were also two fishponds connected to the moat. This historical area is now a protected site.
St. Bede's Church: A Local Landmark
The Roman Catholic St. Bede's Church opened on Preston Road in 1824. It was designed by Thomas Burgess. The church is made of sandstone and has a slate roof.
It has a simple design with three round-headed windows on its sides. In 1964, a copper bell tower with a small spire was added to the church.
Exploring Clayton-le-Woods' Location
Where is Clayton-le-Woods?
Clayton-le-Woods is located north of the town of Chorley. It's also just a few miles from the city of Preston. The village is right next to other large villages like Leyland and Bamber Bridge.
Other nearby villages include Clayton Brook, Whittle-le-Woods, Brindle, and Buckshaw Village.
How the Village is Divided
The village is split into two parts by Cuerden Valley Park and the River Lostock. The western side of Clayton-le-Woods borders Leyland. The eastern side is next to Whittle-le-Woods.
There's also a smaller area called Wood End. This part is west of the village, close to Leyland. It was built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Motorway Connections
Clayton-le-Woods is very close to several major motorways. You can easily reach the M6 at junctions 28 and 29. The M61 is accessible at junctions 8 and 9. Also, the M65 has junctions 1A, 1, and 2 nearby.
Life in Clayton-le-Woods
Schools and Learning
The village has six primary schools for younger students. These include Clayton-le-Woods CE, Lancaster Lane, Westwood, Clayton Brook, Manor Road, and St Bede's RC. A local library was built in 1985. It's located in Clayton Green, right next to Cuerden Valley Park.
Local Amenities
Clayton-le-Woods has many useful places for its residents. You can find several pubs and a large supermarket (Asda) in the village. There's also a sports centre and two hotels.
The village is divided into different areas. These include Cloverfield, Wood End / Clayton Green, Leylandside (the part next to Leyland), and Cuerden.
Traditional Crafts
Did you know that charcoal burning still happens here? It's done by cutting wood in a special way (called coppicing). This takes place in the grounds of nearby Cuerden Hall. You can also find old linen hand weavers' cottages on Sheep Hill Lane.
Getting Around Clayton-le-Woods
Bus Services
Clayton-le-Woods has four local bus services. These are run by Stagecoach in Chorley and Preston Bus.
- The 125 Stagecoach Gold route connects the village to Chorley, Preston, and Bolton.
- The 109 route, also by Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire, links Clayton-le-Woods to nearby Leyland, Preston, and Chorley.
- Preston Bus operates the 114 service. This bus connects the village with Chorley, Whittle-le-Woods, and Leyland.
Cycling Routes
If you enjoy cycling, Route 55 is for you. This route connects Clayton-le-Woods with Buckshaw Village and Euxton. It takes you through the lovely Cuerden Valley Park.
Major Roads
The village is located along the A6, which is known locally as Preston Road. Other important roads connect Clayton-le-Woods to different places:
- The B5256 runs between Blackburn and Leyland.
- The B5254 connects Clayton to Leyland.
- The M6 is accessible at junctions 28 and 29.
- The M61 is at junctions 8 and 9.
- The M65 has junctions 1A, 1, and 2 nearby.
- Further roads, like the A49, link Clayton to Buckshaw Village, Euxton, Charnock Richard, and Wigan.
Famous Faces from Clayton-le-Woods
- The surrealist painter Leonora Carrington OBE (1917–2011) was born in Westwood House, Clayton Green.
- Footballer Phil Jones grew up in Clayton-le-Woods.
Images for kids
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The site of Clayton Hall
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Cuerden Valley Park
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Clayton Brook (footpath)
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Asda store, Clayton Green (2007)
