Changes to Bolton

The landscape of Bolton has changed dramatically over the last few centuries. This section of the gallery tells that story with paintings and objects from the town.

In 1251 King Henry III gave permission for a market to be set up in what was then called Bodelton. During the 1600s and 1700s the textile trade helped Bolton to grow.

By 1750 the population of Bolton was about 5,000. During the early 1800s thousands moved from the countryside to work in the industry. By the 1880s Bolton had become the town that we would recognise today. There was a public transport system, roads and street lighting, police and hospitals and an orphanage. People could spend what leisure time they had in public libraries, parks, the museum, and art gallery.

Highlights include -

• A model of the medieval Churchgate area of Bolton
• A painting of Bolton in 1750 - complete with cows and fishermen.
• A painting that shows Bolton in the 1880s - at the town's industrial height.
• A specially commissioned film called 'Spin, Span, Spun' that uses animation to convey the rhythm and movement in the mills.
• A film that takes a 'now and then' trip through Bolton.
• A new bronze bust of one of Bolton's most well known characters - Fred Dibnah