The Fascinating History Of Ashton Under Lyne
A town with a vast history dating back to Roman times, Ashton Under Lyne has an intriguing story, from its early beginnings to the present day. In this blog, we’ll uncover the past and unearth the real truth about how this all came to be.
Early History
Ashton-under-Lyne was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Ascectun," which means ‘settlement near ash trees’. The town was a small agricultural community to the East of Manchester, home to farmers and humble vendors.
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution catalysed certain trades that boomed in Northern England, transforming Ashton into a major industrial centre. Ashton-under-Lyne then became a hub for the textile industry, with cotton mills and factories springing up all over the town.
The Ashton Canal was built in 1792, which connected the town to Manchester and the rest of the canal network. The canal was used to transport raw materials and finished goods, and it played a significant role in the town's industrial growth.
Victorian Era
During the Victorian era, Ashton continuously thrived hand in hand with the textile industry. The town's population grew and so did the work opportunities. Hat production became a specialised trade, with many hat-making factories profiting and expanding.
The town's railway station was built in 1846, which further improved the interconnectivity and infrastructure of Ashton.
World War I and II
During World War I, the textile factories were repurposed for the war effort and helped to produce important products such as fresh clothing for soldiers. A majority of the town's men served in the armed forces however only a minority returned home. The population of Ashton suffered significant losses during this war.
During World War II, Ashton-under-Lyne was heavily bombed, and a large number of the town's buildings were destroyed. This caused a massive upset for the business owners, as the damage ruined the efficiency and production rate of their factories.
Post-War Era
Years went by and Ashton-under-Lyne began to rebuild. The town's textile industry started to decline, as many of the mills were converted to other uses.
The town's economy diversified, with new industries such as engineering and electronics emerging. New housing developments were underway, built to accommodate the growing population in the locality.
Present Day
Today, Ashton-under-Lyne is a thriving area with a population of over 45,000 people. Economically, the town is very diverse: with industries such as retail, healthcare, and education leading the way.
The town is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Ashton Town Hall (1840) and the Ashton Old Baths (1870). The town also has a number of parks and green spaces, including Stamford Park (1873).
From Roman heritage to an industrial boom, Ashton has seen its fair share of change throughout the years. In this day and age, the town is a hive of activity bustling with life on every street corner, but it wasn’t always like this.
We hope you enjoyed our blog on the history of Ashton Under Lyne, for more information on the area we’ll lead the way.
