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Miscellaneous Useful Information

Addresses

BOLTON FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

To contact the Secretary email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://mlfhs.uk/bolton

Comments and contributions to the Bolton's Genies Newsletter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For family history research advice This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


MANCHESTER & LANCASHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

3rd Floor, Manchester Central Library,

St. Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 5PD

Website: https://mlfhs.uk/

NOTE: The public facilities for MLFHS members are on the ground floor of the library.


BOLTON HISTORY CENTRE

Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE

Telephone: 01204 332185

Note: There is a charge for use of your own camera in the Search Room.

The History Centre is open 6 days a week. See here for availability of stock.

To receive the History Centre Newsletter Click here

A list of useful sites to use to help with your research can be found here.

The History Centre has compiled a comprehensive database of information regarding people who have served in the armed forces. Originally it concentrated on WW1 but is now expanding to include previous and later service personnel. The site also includes data from Salford War Memorials and Bolton Remembers. You can submit information that you have regarding local people.


BOLTON REGISTRARS

Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU

Telephone: 01204 331185

Fax: 01204 525125

Website: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/births-marriages-deaths

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


LANCASHIRE ARCHIVES

Bow Lane, Preston, PR1 2RE

Telephone: 01772 533039

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

Website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/archives-and-record-office/visit-us/

NOTE: You need an Archives Card to visit, see website for details.

Maps

Bolton Parish map

Deane Parish map

Note: Both Parish maps are to be found down the page

Bolton 1835 Map

Lancashire County Council old maps

Especially good for the smaller towns.

National Library for Scotland

This is probably the best website for old Ordnance Survey maps of England.

Manchester University has a collection of Manchester maps

There are plans of Heaton and Tonge Cemeteries on the Deceased Online website

Lancashire OPC has two maps.

Genmaps has a list of links to maps covering Lancashire

MLFHS/On-line Data/Members Area/Members only databases has a 1934 Lancashire street atlas.

FamilySearch Map of England & Wales 1851 Jurisdictions

Parish Maps of the Salford Hundred

Halliwell Local History Society have a CD featuring an Ordnance Survey map of Bolton, 1882, at 5ft to 1 mile. There are 47 A4 sheets. See their websitefor further details.

The Bolton History Centre has copies of Allisons Street Directory which details where particular streets are to be found. The books are shelved at 901 - Local Studies.

Farnworth Library also has copies shelved at 901.91 - Local Studies.

The Bolton document collection, available to members, includes a Bolton street index of early 19th century streets and a Bolton street renaming list.

Bolton's Heritage

Ye Olde Man & Scythe

Old photograph of Ye Olde Man & Scythe pub in Bolton
Modern photograph of Ye Olde Man & Scythe pub in Bolton

Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a historic public house located on Churchate in Bolton town centre. It is one of the oldest pubs in Britain, with its origins dating back to at least 1251, as recorded in a market charter from that year. The pub's name is derived from the crest of the Pilkington family, which features a man holding a scythe​. The pub is notable for its deep historical connections, particularly to the English Civil War. One of its most famous historical moments involves James Stanley, the 7th Earl of Derby, who was a Royalist leader. He spent his last hours at the pub before being executed outside it in 1651. The chair in which he supposedly sat is still on display inside the pub​.

The building has undergone several modifications over the centuries. While the vaulted cellar dates back to the original construction period, much of the current structure, including significant interior features, dates from a 1636 rebuilding​.

Ye Olde Man & Scythe also carries a reputation for being haunted, with numerous reports of paranormal activities. These stories contribute to the pub's allure, attracting both history enthusiasts and those interested in the supernatural.