Sharples, Greater Manchester facts for kids

Sharples is a suburb near Bolton, England. It used to be a small area called a 'township' within a larger parish. Sharples is located about 2.5 miles north of Bolton. It includes smaller places like Banktop, Sweet-Loves, High-Houses, Gale, Folds, Belmont, Piccadilly, Water-Meetings, Old Houses, and part of Astley Bridge.

A Look Back at Sharples' History

Sharples has a long history, first mentioned in records around 1212. It was known by different names like Charples and Scharples. In the Middle Ages, Sharples was part of a larger area called the Barony of Manchester. Over time, the land was divided among different owners.

Who Lived at Sharples Hall?

A local family named Sharples lived at Sharples Hall for many years. Later, the Lawson family owned the Hall. After Dr. John Sharples Lawson passed away in 1816, the ownership of the manor was divided. The Rothwell family then became the owners of Sharples Hall.

Sharples During the Industrial Revolution

In 1666, Sharples had 43 homes that paid a special 'hearth tax'. During the Industrial Revolution, which was a time of big changes in how things were made, coal was mined in Sharples. Factories were also built, including cotton mills and places for printing and bleaching fabric. These were mainly in Belmont and Astley Bridge.

Preserving Sharples' Past

In 2006, a historian named Malcolm Howe, who grew up in Sharples, bought the old 'manorial rights' for £15,000. These rights are like a historic title to the land. He wanted to protect this part of Sharples' history. He then gave these rights to Bolton Council. Mr. Howe kept the right to use the title of Lord of Sharples. He also designed a special badge for Sharples.

How Sharples Was Governed

Historically, Sharples was part of a judicial area called the Hundred of Salford in southwest Lancashire. It was managed from St Peter's Church in Great Bolton.

Changes in Local Administration

In 1662, new laws meant that 'townships' like Sharples became the main way local areas were managed. Sharples became one of 18 self-governing townships in the parish of Bolton le Moors. Later, in 1837, Sharples joined the Bolton Poor Law Union. This group was responsible for helping people in need in the area.

Becoming Part of Larger Towns

In 1864, Lower Sharples and part of Little Bolton formed a new local health board called Astley Bridge. This became the Astley Bridge Urban District in 1894. It then joined Bolton County Borough in 1898. Upper Sharples became the Belmont civil parish in the Bolton Rural District from 1894 to 1898. After that, it became part of Turton Urban District. In 1974, it joined the Blackburn District in Lancashire.

Sharples' Geography

Sharples is located on rising ground north of Bolton. It covers an area of about 3,920 acres. The area is divided into two main parts.

Upper and Lower Sharples

Upper Sharples is on the slopes of Winter Hill and Whimberry Hill. It includes areas like Hordern, Belmont, and Bromiley. A reservoir built by Bolton Waterworks marks the boundary between Sharples and Longworth. Lower Sharples is separated from the upper part by a section of Little Bolton. Astley Bridge is located in Lower Sharples.

Roads and Moorland

The old road that crosses the West Pennine Moors from Bolton to Preston passes through Sharples for five miles. This road is now known as the A675. Much of the land in Sharples is high moorland.

Education in Sharples

The main secondary school that serves the Sharples area is Sharples School. It is located on Hill Cot Road.

Religion in Sharples

St Peter's church in Belmont was built in 1850.