Ramsbottom Heritage Society was formed in 1987 and is a registered charity number 1019587
We are an active society holding monthly meetings with speakers on subjects connected to the area or of historical interest. We encourage members and others to record the present time by photographing changes in the town, to research the past (and if possible publish the findings) and to record the memories of our older citizens. Our area of interest is defined by the limits of the old (pre 1974) Ramsbottom Urban District Council- Edenfield, Holcombe, Holcombe Brook, Ramsbottom, Shuttleworth, Stubbins, Summerseat and Turn, though anyone, whether living in this area or exiled further afield is welcome to join the Society. Benefits include a free twice yearly news magazine and full programme information. Our website has an extensive photographic collection of old images of Ramsbottom, as well as recent photographs. There are also oral tapes, historic maps, articles from the news magazines and research.
Welcome to Ramsbottom, a small friendly town founded in the Georgian era from scattered farmsteads and the hamlet of Nuttall.
The fast flowing river Irwell which bisects the town, ushered in the Industrial Revolution when hand-loom weaving gave way to the many mills along it’s banks; making wool, cotton, paper and metal goods which took advantage of the clean and plentiful water.
Today the town looks back with pride, recalling many famous names, the Ashton brothers ( who introduced cotton spinning), Peel and Yates ( calico printing) and the Grant Brothers, later immortalised by Dickens in his book ‘Nicholas Nickleby’
The best of our past can be seen in the Georgian and Victorian architecture, the steam railway complete with old-fashioned level crossing.
Ramsbottom is set in wonderful walking country with magnificent views. the Irwell Sculpture Trail in the town and along the river attracts many visitors, as do the many interesting small shops. The community also benefits from the town’s own live theatre, the home of the highly acclaimed “Summerseat Players”
Ramsbottom is becoming known as a Festival town, hosting the Chocolate Festival the week before Easter, a music festival in September, Food festivals, and Christmas Markets.
It has also hosted the World Black Pudding throwing championships for many years in September