Heritage book to reveal all about storied Horwich family

A NEW book will give readers an insightful look into the history of a Horwich family who helped build the town.

Derek Cartwright, a member of Horwich Heritage, has penned a book about the Ainsworths, who lived at Lower Brazley Hall.

The family made their money as cotton barons, moving to Bolton as the industrial revolution changed the face of the country forever.

They brought industry and work and triggered events and building programmes that are familiar to residents to this very day - and are explored in Derek’s book.

He said: “It has been a project I have covered throughout lockdown and where I live in Horwich, in the Lower Brazley area, there is a wall in the middle of the estate with a gatepost. From that, I was able to find out much more about the Ainsworth family.

“Some of the family, including Charles and Frederick, were heavily involved in civic development after landing here - it was a lot of classic Victorian philanthropy. Few people know about them and their house, which used to be here. It has been lost in people's memories and I am trying to bring it back.”

The wall is on Ainsworth Avenue with the gatepost being near the junction of Ainsworth and Beech Avenues.

Many areas around Bolton and Horwich were named after the family - and the Lower Brazley estate became the first council-built estate in Horwich, as part of the Homes for Heroes program at the end of the First World War.

Derek was able to bolster his research with pictures and documents provided by ancestors - coming across confetti and flowers from a family wedding at the start of the 20th century.

He added: “It was quite challenging at times but it was great to get in touch with descendants. The family did a lot in the Horwich area and it was very interesting to research and write.”

The book costs £10, with all profits going to Horwich Heritage. It is available at Horwich Heritage Centre and Rivington's Village Green Tea rooms.

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