Village History

Explore our interactive timeline to discover the history of Bolton-le-Sands, from the Bronze Age to the present day.

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Prehistoric Britain

2,200 – 1,800 BCE: Bronze Age Inhabitants

Archaeological findings suggest that the Bolton-le-Sands area was inhabited during the Bronze Age. Artifacts, including the Morecambe urn, have been discovered, containing well-preserved human remains.

The location of the site, defined by an enclosure, platform and earthen mound barrow on the summit of a hill. In a commanding position overlooking Morecambe Bay, it would have been highly visible in the Bronze Age, and likely to have been the final resting place of a high status individual.

Read more about DigVentures Barrowed Time project.

 

43 – c410 CE: Roman Britain

The village is situated near the route of a Roman road that connected the fort at Lancaster to the north. Evidence of Roman activity, including roads and artifacts, has been found in the surrounding areas, highlighting the village’s long-standing significance.

Read more about the Roman Road from Lancaster to Watercrook on the Roman Roads Research Association.

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Early Medieval

c410 – 1066 CE: Anglo-Saxons and Vikings

Bolton-le-Sands holds artifacts from the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods, housed in Holy Trinity Church. These include fragments of a large Anglo-Saxon cross and Viking-age sculptures from the 10th and 11th centuries. Medieval grave slabs further contribute to the understanding of the village’s early medieval past.

Prof. Howard Williams has documented the rediscovery and re-display of these stones, which continue to shed light on the early medieval history of the region. Learn more about his work here.

 

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Medieval

1086 CE: Domesday Book Reference

The village is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Bodeltone’, part of a large landholding owned by Earl Tostig. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon words ‘botl’ or ‘bothl’, meaning ‘dwelling’ and ‘tun’, meaning farm, manor, or hamlet.

The entry records that Bodeltone belonged to the manor of Halton and comprised 2 carucates of land (approximately 240 acres), sufficient to support a modest agricultural community.

Over the centuries the name of the village evolved from being called ‘Botheltun’, ‘Bouelton’, and ‘Boulton’ to more generally known as Bolton, a name shared with several other settlements in the North West.

 

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Late Medieval

1450 CE: Construction of St. Michael’s Church

In 1450, the construction of St. Michael’s Church Tower (now Holy Trinity Church) began. The tower is one of the village’s most significant medieval landmarks.

The Church’s nave (the main body of the building) was built later in 1813, and the building has since undergone several renovations. It is now a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its historical and architectural significance.

 

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Early Modern England

1600: Pinfold

Built sometime in the 1600s, the Pinfold served as a practical structure for the village’s agricultural community. It was originally a circular enclosure used to hold stray animals until their owners could reclaim them, a common practice in rural England.

Located near what is now the A6, the Pinfold was once a central part of village life, symbolising the management of livestock and farming practices. Though it has since been reduced in size due to modern developments, it remains a significant reminder of Bolton-le-Sands’ agricultural heritage.

 

1637: Boys’ Free Grammar School Opened

In 1637, a Boys’ Free Grammar School was founded in Bolton-le-Sands through a bequest from Thomas Assheton of Hest Bank, who left 80 shillings in his will for its creation. A group of trustees pooled that money with other funds that had been donated and bought the Old Kiln Yard as a site for the building.

The school admitted boys from Bolton-le-Sands, Nether Kellet, and Slyne-with-Hest free of charge for education in Latin and Greek, though fees were charged for reading, writing, and arithmetic. The building, with an 1857 extension, served as the village school until 1940 when it was amalgamated with Crosshill School’.

The Parish Council and many village and other organisations still use the meeting hall to this day.

 

1797: Lancaster Canal Opened

The Lancaster Canal passed through Bolton-le-Sands, boosting trade and transportation, and contributing to the local economy.

 

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Modern England

1846: Railway Station Opened

The Bolton-le-Sands railway station opened as part of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway, significantly enhancing transportation and contributing to the village’s growth.

Around this time, the suffix “le-Sands” was formally added to the village’s name to reflect its proximity to the sands of Morecambe Bay. This change helped distinguish the village from other towns named Bolton along the same railway line. Previously, references to “Bolton-by-the-Sands” had been used, as evidenced by a newspaper notice from the early 19th century, though the formal “le-Sands” suffix became more widely adopted after the railway’s arrival.

 

1849: New Industrial School

In 1849, the community of Bolton-le-Sands established a new Girls’ Industrial School and parochial Sunday School. Previously, children were taught in a rundown barn that offered little comfort to students or teachers. Under the leadership of Reverend Robert Gibson, the village came together to raise the necessary funds, receiving support from prominent figures like Thomas Greene, M.P., and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Within just 13 months, the school was built and fully paid for, providing a much-needed educational facility for the village.

A notable feature of the new school, is an inscribed stone tablet on the front gable. The tablet, which bears the inscription “Fear God”, was a suggestion and gift from the vicar’s wife and remains an important architectural detail.

The Lancaster Gazette (Issue 3289, dated April 20th 1850) celebrated the school’s completion, noting how it brought significant improvement to the community, offering better conditions for learning and encouraging moral and religious education. This important project stands as a testament to the village’s dedication to education and the well-being of its children.

The article concludes with a poetic reflection on the potential of the children attending the school:

“If nurs’d with skill, what dazzling fruits appear!
E’en now sagacious foresight points to show
A little bench of heedless bishops here,
And here a chancellor in embryo,
Or bard sublime, if bard may e’er be so.”

 

Modern translation: ‘If nurtured with care, amazing results will follow. Even now, those with foresight can see the potential: these children may one day become leaders like bishops, or perhaps a future chancellor—or even a brilliant poet, if one is destined to emerge.’

 

The school was merged with the Boys’ Free Grammar School in 1940, forming Bolton-le-Sands Church of England Mixed School, and remained in use until 1981. It was converted to residential use in 1995 and is now Grade II listed.

At some point, the 1857 George VI Wall Post Box, originally located on the side wall, was moved to the front of the school building, and is still in use as the village post box today.

 

1863: Village Concert at the Industrial School

In February 1863, a concert was held at the Industrial School, featuring a mix of sacred and secular music. Highlights included Dr. Fowles’ “Arise, shine for thy light is come”, but the audience’s favorite was the secular song “Weel may the keel row”.

 

 

1866: Separation of local civil parishes

Bolton-le-Sands has undergone various administrative changes over time. Originally part of an ancient parish (AP), it included Over Kellet, Nether Kellet, and Slyne with Hest. These areas became separate civil parishes (CP) in 1866, with Over Kellet also forming its own ecclesiastical parish (EP) in 1730 and Slyne with Hest separating as an EP in 1935.

Bolton-le-Sands was historically part of the Lonsdale Hundred and the Caton Gilbert Union until 1869. It then became part of the Lancaster Poor Law Union (PLU) from 1869 to 1930. Subsequent local governance was managed by the Rural Sanitary District (RSD) and later the Rural District (RD). Further civil boundary alterations occurred in 1887.

These historical changes reflect the development of Bolton-le-Sands’ administrative structure, which laid the foundation for its modern governance.

 

1884: St. Mary of the Angels opens

In 1884, St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church was officially opened in Bolton-le-Sands. It replaced a smaller chapel that had been in use since 1868, located at The Nook. The new church, built within two years and consecrated by the Bishop of Leeds, stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark in the village. The original chapel building still exists on the corner of The Nook and Ancliffe Lane.

 

1894: Establishment of the Parish Council

In May 1894, following the provisions of the Local Government Bill, Bolton-le-Sands was allocated six members for its newly established Parish Council. This was part of a wider reorganisation in the Lancaster and Lunesdale Unions, which also established councils in nearby villages such as Cockerham, Ellel, and Heysham. The County Council held a meeting to finalise the number of representatives for each Parish Council, reflecting the growing importance of local governance. This move marked a significant step in formalising local decision-making and gave Bolton-le-Sands more autonomy in managing its own affairs.

 

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20th Century

1927 – 1928: Bye-Pass Road

Construction of the Bolton-le-Sands by-pass began on February 1, 1927, following years of discussion about the dangerous conditions at the Packet Bridge and through the village. Funded by Lancashire County Council at a cost of £48,918, the by-pass aimed to provide a safer alternative route. The road spans 1,334 yards, with a width of 50 feet, and includes two bridges: a reinforced concrete bridge over the Preston, Lancaster, and Kendal Canal, and a stone bridge over a local road.

Despite delays due to water-logging and other difficulties, the road was completed in 1928 and officially opened on September 6, 1928. The project was a significant improvement for traffic safety and congestion in the village.

 

1935: Christ Church opens

Replacing the ‘Tin Tabernacle’.

 

1939: Fire Station

A fire service has been based in Bolton-le-Sands since 1939, with leadership provided by the McGaffigan family for many years. Initially, a light portable pump was kept in a garage on Kellet Lane before moving to an 18th-century barn on Main Road in 1944, which was converted into a fire station. Although the station accommodated fire engines, some larger vehicles, like the Bedford engine, were a tight fit.

Despite its small size, the Bolton-le-Sands fire station won a prestigious trophy in 1946, competing with stations between Crewe and Carlisle. In 1968, the fire service moved to a new, purpose-built station on Bye-Pass Road. The old barn was later repurposed as a private residence, but the arched stone doorway, now transformed into a large window, retains the original stonework and the plaque above it, which reads “J.B 1796,” likely referencing James Bibby.

 

1961 – 1962: Electric Street Lighting Installed

After years of planning and setbacks, Bolton-le-Sands completed its £9,500 street lighting scheme in 1962. The Parish Council initiated the project in response to a lack of street lighting in the village, which left roads and lanes in darkness. At a packed meeting in June 1961, about 275 villagers overwhelmingly voted in favor of the street lighting proposal, with only seven opposed. The villagers agreed to fund the scheme through a 7d. rate increase and authorized the Parish Council to borrow £9,500 for the project.

In October 1961, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government approved a loan that made the street lighting project financially feasible. The scheme included the installation of 86 midway columns along the A6 and Coastal Road and 30 Edinburgh columns for the village proper. By September 1962, the final sections of the street lights were switched on, with over 200 lamps illuminating the village. The new lighting was praised as some of the best in the region, significantly improving safety and visibility.

1967: Church of England Primary School opens

The first phase of the new Bolton-le-Sands Church of England Primary School, costing £28,000, was officially opened on Thursday, June 22, 1967, at a ceremony led by Canon C. W. D. Carroll, Director of Religious Education for the Blackburn Diocese.

The school initially opened with three classrooms and ancillary accommodation, housing 110 infants, while 140 juniors remained in the old school until the entire project was completed. Plans for the next phases included a school hall, kitchen, and four additional classrooms. The architects for the project were Tom Mellor and Partners, and the contractors were J. Dixon and Sons of Carnforth.

Canon Carroll emphasised the importance of education in shaping future generations and highlighted the need for continued investment in school facilities, particularly for religious education. The opening ceremony was attended by local educational leaders, school staff, and community members.

Due the the number of pupils in the area the old Church of England Mixed School on Crosshills remained in use until 1981, once the new site was complete.

 

1969: Railway Station Closes

As part of the Beeching cuts, the railway station in Bolton-le-Sands was closed, marking the end of an era of rail transport in the village.

 

1979: The Bolton-le-Sands Coat of Arms

The Bolton-le-Sands Coat of Arms was officially granted to the Parish Council on August 24, 1979, by Garter King of Arms (Alexander Colin Cole), Clarenceux King of Arms (Sir Anthony Wagner), and Norroy & Ulster King of Arms (Walter John George Verco) of His Majesty’s College of Arms.

 

Arms (Shield)

“Per fess Azure and Vert on a Fess Or between in Chief two Escallops Argent and in base a Mitre affronty the infulae entwining two Croziers heads inward in pile all Or a Saxon Crown between two Lions’ Heads erased Gules”

The shield is divided horizontally with a blue upper section (representing the Morecambe Bay estuary) and a green lower section (symbolising the land). Across the center runs a gold band. On the upper section, there are two white scallop shells, acknowledging the village’s fishing heritage. In the lower section, there’s a gold bishop’s mitre (headgear) with ribbons that entwine two gold bishop’s crosiers (staffs), flanked by a Saxon Crown and two red lions’ heads.

 

Crest

“On a Wreath Argent and Azure, A Mount Vert thereon between two Roses Gules barbed seeded stalked and leaved issuant proper in front of a Long Cross pommy Gules an open Book Argent leathered Gules edged Or the pages illuminated that to the dexter inscribed with a T and that to the sinister with an A in Black Letter proper.”

Above the shield is a wreath of silver and blue, supporting a green hill. On this hill, two red roses stand to represent the historical ties with the Duchy of Lancaster. In the center is a red cross (Cross Pommy) behind an open silver book. The book’s pages bear a decorative ‘T’ and ‘A’ in black letter script, referencing the 17th-century free grammar school founded by Thomas Assheton.

 

Motto

Although not part of the official grant (of arms), the motto displayed with the arms is “Per Arenas Per Agros”.

The motto can be translated as “Through Sands, Through Fields” or “By Way of Sands, By Way of Fields.”.

Both interpretations reflect the village’s deep connection to its unique geographical features—the coastal sands and the surrounding agricultural fields. These natural elements have shaped the community’s journey through history and still remain central to its identity today.

Many thanks to His Majesty’s College of Arms for this information.

 

1982: From Bodeltone to Bolton-le-Sands Published

The author, Kenneth Entwistle, wrote a fascinating book of Bolton-le-Sands history, including numerous photographs, line drawings and a fold-out map.

 

2000: Sports and Recreation Pavilion Built

Built in 2000 with funding from the National Lottery and several public and private organisations. Currently used by the Bolton-le-Sands Tennis Club and two local Football teams. For more information please see the Community Groups page.

 

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21st Century

2013: Bolton-le-Sands: Portrait of a Village Published

A uniquely human portrait and history of Bolton-le-Sands and the ancient settlement of Bodeltone, by Barry & Lesley Guise and Keith Budden.

 

2013: The Praying Shell Sculpture

The sculpture, gift from the sculptor Anthony Padgett, merges a kneeling figure in prayer and a cockle shell. It combines themes from nature with the spiritual heritage of Morecambe Bay to create a potent symbol of reflection, renewal and environmental integration.

It looks over the site at which 23 Chinese cockle pickers tragically died in 2004. The symbol of the cockle shell, which opens as the tide comes in, is used to reflect on humanity’s openness.

 

2014: New Playground Opened

The fruition of the Community Playground Project formed in 2012. With support from Lancashire County Council a local award winning playground designer was commissioned to guide the redevelopment of the playground to create a fun social place for the children and families of the village. Local children were consulted to help determine the design of the playground.

Over the following twelve months grants were applied for and a programme of community fundraising organised. The new playground was opened on the 23rd of August 2014. Scores of excited children, and many excited parents, enjoyed a day of sunshine and made the best possible use of all of the new play equipment.

 

2019: Eurasian Curlew Sculpture

One of seven stunning wader sculptures, the Eurasian Curlew sculpture in Bolton-le-Sands is part of the ‘Birds of the Bay‘ project celebrating Morecambe Bay’s rich birdlife. Created by Ulverston artist Chris Brammall, the sculptures feature information panels on each bird species, encouraging visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s vital habitats.

 

2024: Table Tennis Table Installed

The latest fantastic addition to our village was made possible thanks to Table Tennis England’s ‘Ping in the Community‘ scheme, which offers subsidised table tennis packages designed to kick-start an interest in table tennis in the community. The cost was met with a grant awarded from the Parish Champion Grants scheme and the Parish Council.