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Local History Groups

Family history and local history are closely connected because the lives of families help tell the story of a community. When we look at family history, we learn about the personal experiences of people who lived in a particular place. Local history, on the other hand, shows us the bigger picture of what was happening in that area over time. By combining both, we get a fuller understanding of how individual lives and local events shaped each other. This makes the history of a place richer and more complete, showing how personal stories fit into the broader community history.

There are a number of local history groups in the Bolton area that hold regular meetings for members and none members.

Turton Local History Society

Turton Local History Society was established in 1974 with the aim of promoting an interest in history in general and of their own area in particular by discussion, research and record.

Their area, the old Urban District of Turton, includes the ancient Townships of Bradshaw, Edgworth, Entwistle, Harwood, Longworth, Quarlton and Turton (which includes Bromley Cross, Chapeltown, Eagley and Egerton).

Meetings: Illustrated talks and meetings are held from August to April inclusive on the fourth Thursday of the month, at Harwood Methodist Church, Longsight, Bolton BL2 3HX beginning at 7.30pm.

Website: https://www.turtonhistory.com

Publications: https://www.turtonhistory.com/2016/10/publications.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turtonhistory

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Next Event

Thursday 24th April 2025 - Reginald Dart's Town Plan for Turton 1947 - David Lloyd

Westhoughton Local History Group

Meetings: Meetings are held on the third Thursdays of the month at Westhoughton Library, Library St, Westhoughton. BL5 3AT beginning at 10:30am

Website: https://westhoughtonlocalhistorygroup.com

Publications: http://westhoughtonhistorygroup.org.uk/Westhoughton_History_Group/Publications.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilWLHG

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Next Event

Thursday 1st May 2025  - Focus on Howfen History – Number 2 - Featuring Presentations on Westhoughton Local History

Horwich Heritage

Meetings: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at Horwich Heritage Centre,Beaumont Road (off Longworth Road), Horwich. BL6 7BG beginning at 7:30pm

Website: https://www.horwichheritage.co.uk/index.php

Publications: https://www.horwichheritage.co.uk/publications.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horwichheritagecentre/

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Next Event

Tuesday 13th May 2025 - The English Civil War in Lancashire - Stephen Irwin

Halliwell Local History Society

Meetings: Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month at St. Peter's Parish Centre (former Jubilee School), 347 Church Road, Bolton, BL1 5RR beginning at 7:30pm.

Website: https://halliwell-lhs.co.uk/

Publications: https://halliwell-lhs.co.uk/books/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070130078980

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Next Event

Tuesday 29th April 2025 - For You, The War Is Over - Steve Williams