Horwich Town Council - Heritage Trail

Follow The Trail

Look out for the very distinctive and attractive green circular signs with the Horwich Town Council Coat of Arms on various buildings in Horwich. The twelve signs represent a considerable part of Horwich Town Council's ultimate ambition to create a complete heritage trail through the town. The signs acknowledge that the building has either historical significance or has an association with a prominent citizen(s).

If you would like to nominate a site for a commemorative plaque, please contact the Town Clerk, Room 1, Horwich Resource Centre, Beaumont Road, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7BG. Tel: 01204 338900. Fax: 01204 403080. E Mail: townclerk@horwich.gov.uk

You can see the plaques on the following sites. Select each photograph for a link to a close up of the plaque on that building. Especially for our youngsters – there's even a fun quiz. (see below)

Private Dwelling on Lee Lane near the Crown roundabout

The house used to be Horwich's second post office, opened in 1851. The first Post Office was at 42 Church Street.

Public Hall, Lee Lane

This has been the home of local government in Horwich since 1895. The building was presented to Horwich by Peter Martin, a mill owner.

Horwich Resource Centre, Beaumont Road

This was a territorial army barracks and it even had its own rifle range. Built around 1910, it was opened as a centre for voluntary and community groups by Horwich Town Council in 1991.

Gorton Cottage, (private dwelling) Church Street

Formerly the home of the prominent industrialist and benefactor Andrew Peak (1810 to 1889)

Arcon Village, off Chorley Old Road

Sign actually on 1 Mill View Lane (private dwelling) Former site of Wallsuches Bleachworks, established by Thomas Ridgway in 1780 and closed in 1933.

Ridgmont House, off Chorley Old Road

Home to the famous Ridgway family from 1801 to 1860. The Ridgways created employment by founding Wallsuches Bleachworks. They were great benefactors.

New Chapel United Reformed Church, New Chapel Lane

A religious building has stood on this site since 1690, although the present building dates from 1719. It was named `New Chapel' to distinguish it from the `Old Chapel' i.e. Horwich Parish Church.

Horwich Loco Estate, Chorley New Road

Horwich Locomotive Works occupied this site, being in full operation by 1892. Its closure in 1983 was a great loss. It was the main employer in Horwich and it had a huge impact on the development of the town.