Smithills Country Park

The estate surrounding Smithills Hall today comprises over 2,400 acres extending from the hall to the Winter Hill TV masts. It is now owned by Bolton Council and much is farmed by local sheep and cattle farmers under tenancy. Amongst the moorland, grassland and semi-ancient woodland are several ancient burial sites and Grade II listed buildings.

In the late 1890s, Colonel Ainsworth tried to prevent public access over the moorland, wishing to use the land exclusively for his grouse shooting expeditions. He closed off Coal Pit Road, which was part of a popular route walked by the ordinary folk of Bolton on Sundays.

This so enraged local people that it resulted in 10,000 of them taking part in a ‘mass trespass’ on at least three separate occasions in the late Summer of 1896. These marches were spirited, festive occasions, but  Ainsworth responded to the trespass by pressing charges, and ten of the ‘ring leaders’ were taken to court, with two of the leading figures fined £600.

However, the pressure created by the mass trespass finally resulted in the land being opened again to the public and a memorial stone now marks this momentous event near Coal Pit Lane at the gateway to the moors.

The estate is now managed by the Council’s Countryside Service for the purpose of recreation and conservation. There is a network of extensive paths, tracks, cycling and horse riding routes for people to enjoy.