Pictures of Chorley

About Chorley

Chorley is a pleasant market town resting close to the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The town's historic roots go back beyond the Bronze-Age, as evidenced by findings in the 20th century.

It is a pleasant spacious town, with none of the grimness normally associated with Lancashire cotton town's. Chorley was granted a market charter in the 13th century, by the 15th century it was hosting a flourishing market attended from far and wide. These days the town hosts two markets, a covered market and a street market. Here you can buy all manner of goods, including tasty Lancashire Cheese. Once a year a French market arrives, and for one weekend there is a "continental" flavour in the air.

The prosperity of the town initially came from cotton weaving and calico printing. As the town developed some rather pleasing properties were built. These include Astley Hall, a fine Jacobean mansion built on the foundations of where once there stood an Elizabethan Hall. Astley Hall stands in attractive parkland and dates from around 1666, Oliver Cromwell is said to have been a visitor here. Chorley's 14th century parish church is notable and well worth a visit. It is also likely that William Shakespeare may have passed through Chorley, he once worked at Hoghton Towers, a stately home on the edge of Chorley where King James I supposedly conferred a knighthood upon a piece of Sirloin steak!

Interestingly, this is the birthplace of Henry Tate who from humble beginnings as a grocers assistant, went on to become the founder of the Tate sugar empire, and founder of the renowned Tate Gallery.

20th century plans to combine Chorley with other parts of Lancashire to form a new town fortunately came to nothing, but it has benefited from a by-pass of the town centre and new shopping facilities. Hence, the town has become a delightful blend of old and new. It offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities, pleasant relaxing pubs and inns, and a choice of restaurants serving differing cuisines. There is a range of hotel accommodation to suit all tastes.

There are pleasant town walks, attractive riverside strolls and Camelot Theme Park offers entertainment for all the family.