Ashton-under-Lyne Town Hall: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashton-under-Lyne_town_hall.jpg Author: G-Man
Ashton-under-Lyne is a market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester, England. Until 1974, Ashton-under-Lyne was part of the Lancashire. It is located on the northern bank of the River Tame, about 10 km (6.2 mi) to the east of downtown Manchester. Ashton-under-Lyne has a population of around 43,000 people.
The area surrounding Ashton-under-Lyne bears evidence of human habitation going back Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. An adult male skull dating to between 1,320 BC and 970 BC was discovered in Ashton Moss in 1911.
Hartshead Pike, Ashton-under-Lyne: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hartshead_Pike_with_Man.jpg Author: Paul likes pics
The name Ashton-under-Lyne itself is said to originate during the Anglo-Saxon period meaning "settlement by the ash trees". The Domesday Book of 1086 failed to mention Ashton, probably because the area survey carried out was not complete. The town itself was first mentioned in the 12th century, when it was under the Barons of Manchester.
Ashton-under-Lyne experienced rapid growth at the start of the 19th century, buoyed by the town's textile industry. This led to a construction boom to house those employed in the industry. The Lancashire Cotton Famine from 1861 to 1865 brought an end to the textile industry.
Today Ashton-under-Lyne is a modern town. Within the town center is an IKEA store, the first town-center store as well as the tallest in Britain.
Visiting Ashton-under-Lyne
You can reach Ashton-under-Lyne from Manchester by taking either the Ashton New Road (A662) or the Ashton Old Road (A635). On the M60 motorway, take Exit 23.
Places of Interest in Ashton-under-Lyne
Ashton Town Hall: Civic building completed in 1840 and enlarged in 1878. It is today a Grade II listed building. Today it houses the Museum of the Manchester Regiment.
Ashton-under-Lyne War Memorial: Monument comprising a cenotaph flanked by two bronze lions, unveiled in 1922 to commemorate the 1,512 people of the two who died in World War I. Later the 301 who died in World War II was also honored.
Hartshead Pike: Stone tower on top of Hartshead Hill constructed in 1863.
Heritage Centre and Museum: Museum occupying the warehouse of the Portland Basin.
St Michael and All Angels' Church: A medieval parish church dating to 1262. It is a Grade I listed building.
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