A little history of Chorley

Astley Park, Chorley

Chorley, located in Lancashire, England, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The town's name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ceorl" (peasant) and "lēah" (clearing), likely meaning "the peasants' clearing." Although not listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, Chorley first appears in historical records in the mid-13th century as part of the Croston Lordship. In 1498, it was granted a market charter by Henry VII, establishing its status as a market town.

A significant landmark in Chorley is Astley Hall, a Grade I listed historic house at the heart of Astley Park. The Charnock family resided there from the 15th century, and it became their principal residence in 1575. In 1924, Reginald Arthur Tatton bequeathed the hall and park to the people of Chorley, and it was officially opened as a museum and public park.

The town's industrial era saw growth in the cotton and coal mining industries. Chorley was a vital cotton town with many mills, most of which were demolished between the 1950s and 2000s, with those remaining converted for modern business purposes. The last mill to stop producing textiles was Lawrence's in 2009. Additionally, the town played a role during the Second World War, housing the Royal Ordnance Factory in the nearby village of Euxton.