I have always taken the industrial town of Bury for granted, hardly looking beyond the surface of an area that has always been home to me. I didn’t realize just what a colourful and interesting history this region has hidden for so long. Like digging for buried treasure, “digging” into the archives has been an eye-opener for me and many “treasures” have just been waiting to be discovered. The industrial history of this town is rich, true, but there was so much more waiting to be uncovered, such as the rich political, religious, social, agricultural and sporting history of the area, not to mention the criminal history of a town which had for so long seemed insignificant and, dare I say it, even uninteresting. I didn’t know, for instance, that horrific murders had occurred in the area during earlier centuries and that a number of criminals from the town were hung at nearby Manchester.
I was also surprised to discover that Cromwell’s forces had once besieged the town of Bury, with very bloody consequences. Two of the most important political figures in history also lived in and came from the area, as did two brothers who had strong connections to the author Charles Dickens. A wild and vicious bull once terrorized people in the town and a monster-sized otter frequented the surrounding waterways and eluded the many sportsmen who pursued it for several years. A strange shaped egg, drunken rascals, inventive and talented folk - all have frequented the town I have called home since birth.
Intelligent animals have also become a part of the history of the area, such as a little terrier which could find its way home across strange country and over many miles. A historic and important railway is also a main feature of the town, but what a history this railway has too, as colourful and exciting as that of the town itself. Famous visitors have been in the town, which also boasts a historic cup-winning football team. Many gems were discovered regarding Bury Football Club with its often incredibly successful past.
The countryside surrounding Bury is both bleak and beautiful, many of the town buildings are charming and attractive. Most of the mills with their jutting chimneys are long-gone, but the indelible history remains - a history which enriches the enjoyment of this interesting little town of Bury.
Find out more about Bury's varied history with 'The Bury Book of Days', available now.