Did You Know?

Bury born Sir Robert Peel was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and founded the Metropolitan Police and Conservative Party. The Peel Memorial stands outside the parish church and the Peel Monument on Holcombe Hill, Ramsbottom, overlooking the borough.

Bury was formed around the ancient market place but there is evidence of activity dating back to the period of Roman occupation. the Museum has a Roman urn containing a number of small bronze coins dated for AD 253–282 and found north of what is now the town centre.

The most imposing building in the early town would have been Bury Castle, a medieval manor house built in 1469. It sat in a good defensive position on high ground overlooking the Irwell Valley

Between 1801 and 1830, the population of the town more than doubled from 7,072 to 15,086. This was the time when the factories, mines and foundries, with their spinning machines and steam engines, began to dominate the landscape.

In 1791 a company called the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Company was formed, and five years later coal was brought to the town by barges. The canal was used on Sundays and at fair time for very popular passenger trips to Bolton.

The name Bury is derived from the Anglo-Saxon burg or burh, meaning “stronghold,” and today the town is the natural centre of the borough. The woolen industry was established in the 14th century and, although still found in the area, was superseded in economic importance by cotton in the 18th century. 

One of the most iconic features is its bustling market. Bury Market is known as one of the best in the country, and for good reason. This bustling marketplace has been in operation for over 600 years and offers an incredible array of goods.

Train enthusiasts and history buffs will find a true gem in the East Lancashire Railway. This heritage railway line runs through some of the most picturesque countryside in Lancashire, offering passengers a chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of steam travel.

Bury town centre was formed around the ancient market place, there is evidence of activity dating back to Roman times. The Museum has a Roman urn containing a number of small bronze coins dated for AD 253–282 and found north of the town centre.