Photographs from yesteryear and old maps chart the fascinating history of Westhoughton in a new exhibition. The exhibition staged by Westhoughton Local History Group is proving extremely popular, attracting many members of the public, as well as a number of civic and notable figures, all interested in enhancing their knowledge of the Westhoughton of yesteryear. ‘Westhoughton’s History in Old Maps and Photographs’ located in the library complements this year's National Heritage Open Days, was officially opened last month by the Town Mayor of Westhoughton, Cllr Neil Maher.
(Image: David Kaye) The latest VIP visitor was the newly-elected MP for Bolton West, Phil Brickell, who was hosted by the chairman and vice-chairman of the heritage group. The displays chart many of the significant happenings in Westhoughton’s long and rich history, including The Burning of Westhoughton Mill (the Luddite rebellion of 1812), The Pretoria Pit Disaster of 1910 (in which 344 men and boys lost their lives in an instant), the origins of some of the town’s famed institutions, including Wingates Band and Westhoughton Cricket Club, plus aspects of the town’s industrial history, encompassing coal-mining, cotton mills and railways. Mr Brickell said: “I really enjoyed being shown around the current exhibition in Westhoughton library by David Kaye and Garth Ratcliffe of Westhoughton Local History Group.
"It is fantastic to see many of the pioneering achievements of Westhoughton people over t.
