Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Web Site

Ringley

Ringley Old Bridge The stone bridge was built in 1677 at a cost of £500 to replace a wooden bridge that was washed away by a flood in 1673. For many years this was the only crossing point of the River Irwell. With the construction of the new bridge upstream and the new road the importance of the old bridge as a vital part of the road system diminished and now the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal was completed in 1795 and revolutionised the transport of bulk materials from the many industrial enterprises that were attracted to its banks.

Ringley Church As early as 1420 William Walwerk was mentioned as the occupier of " one pasture called Ryngleys ". In 1572 we find a further reference to the Walworth or Wallwork family with the birth of Nathan Walworth at Ringley Fold. Though born in Lancashire Nathan was bred in Wiltshire. From the age of seventeen he occupied places of trust and became steward toWilliam, the third Earl of Pembroke and Philip who succeeded his brother as the fourth Earl in 1630. Nathan was instrumental in the building of the first chapel at Ringley which was completed in 1625. The chapel was consecrated by John Bridgeman, Bishop of Chester, in 1635 who named the Chapel St Saviour's. All that remains of the first chapel is a stone, set in the isolated tower of the 1826 church with the inscription " Nathan Walworthe builded mee. Anno: do 1625 ". In 1826 a second church was erected and consecrated on 6th August 1827. The architect was Charles Barry who also designed All Saint's Stand. Later Sir Charles Barry also designed the Houses of Parliament. In 1854 the church was pulled down, due to its inadequate size. The tower is all that remains of this second church together with the stone from the first church. The present church dates from 1854 and was built to accommodate the growing congregation.

Ringley Stocks The old village stocks are located on the opposite side of the road from the Church tower. No record of their construction can be found but they probably date from the early 17th century.

Ringley Wakes A tradition in Lancashire the Wakes holiday was a time that people could rest from work. It was a time to join in and enjoy the festivities. Ringley Village held its Wakes on the first Sunday in May. Activities included bull-baiting, quoiting, swarming the pole, grinning through a horse collar, and many other games and activities formed part of the regular programme of merriment.

Lord Mayor of Ringley The highlight of the Wakes was the choosing of the Lord Mayor. This was not an official position and the powers of the office were minimal. The holder of the office was entitled to have, on each Sunday, a pint of beer, a clay pipe, a box of matches and an ounce of tobacco from each of the three public houses within the village and a further four in Stoneclough and Prestolee. To claim his weekly allowance the mayor had to dress in his best Sunday clothes, be clean shaven and have clean clogs and a clean muffler. Unfortunately as part of the proceeding the new Mayor was carried through the village and thrown from the canal bridge into the canal below.

The Horse Shoe Inn The Horse Shoe Inn was a scheduled stopping place for all Manchester bound canal packet boats. Setting off at 6 am. in summer from Bolton Wharf the stop at the Horse Shoe Inn was a welcome break and allowed the passengers to quench their thirst and prepare for the journey ahead.