Farnworth

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Farnworth is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It lies about 2 miles southeast of Bolton, 4 miles southwest of Bury, and 8 miles northwest of Manchester. In 2011 the population was 26,939.

The town sits by the River Irwell and the River Croal. The name Farnworth comes from Old English and means an enclosure where ferns grew. It grew from a small hamlet into a bustling town after coal mining began there in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area was part of a large coal mine complex with channels known as the Worsley Navigable Levels, and industries such as iron foundries and cotton mills also developed. A local paper mill pioneer helped modernise papermaking in the early 1800s. Halshaw Moor became a popular recreation area for residents, hosting annual fairs.

Farnworth is now part of Bolton and is divided into two council wards—Farnworth and Harper Green. It used to be a separate urban district and later a municipal borough, but today it is an unparished area within Bolton. The town sits along major roads to the west and north, including the A666 and A575, and is close to the M61 motorway.

Local landmarks include the Carnegie Library on Market Street, built in 1911 and designated a Grade II listed building. Farnworth Little Theatre is a well-known community venue. The town has two leisure centres, several parks (with the main one, Farnworth Park, near the town centre), and Royal Bolton Hospital on its edge. The Anglican and Catholic churches, a mosque, and various other places of worship reflect the town’s diverse community.

Transport links include Farnworth and Moses Gate railway stations on the Manchester–Preston line, with easy access to surrounding towns. Farnworth has several primary schools and three secondary schools, and sports teams such as Farnworth F.C. (youth) and Farnworth Cricket Club, with local facilities also used by Bolton Hockey Club. The town’s heritage even includes a connection to TV comedy, as St Gregory the Great’s Church was used as a filming location for Phoenix Nights.