Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Irlam has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Irlam.
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Sights in Irlam
Once a tiny Lancashire hamlet, the village of Irlam has now become a busy, vibrant town that still manages to retain its oldworld charm. Visitors to Irlam can enjoy a variety of sights and activities, from exploring the town’s historic buildings to taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Mersey.
One of the most notable landmarks in Irlam is St. John the Baptist Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The church, which is built of sandstone, is a beautiful example of Norman architecture and is well worth a visit. Another historic building in Irlam is the grade II listed Irlam Hall, which was once the home of the Lords of Warrington. Today, the hall is used as a venue for weddings and other events.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, Irlam has plenty to offer. The town is home to several parks, including Jubilee Park, which has a playground and picnic areas, and Rixton Clay Pits, where you can go for a walk or a bike ride. Irlam is also home to the RSPB reserve at No. 6 tank, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including wading birds, ducks, and geese.
Whether you’re looking to explore Irlam’s history or simply enjoy some time outdoors, the town has something to offer everyone.
History of Irlam
Irlam is a town in Lancashire, England, on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, in the Metropolitan Borough of Salford, 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. Historically in Lancashire’s West Derby hundred, Irlam was a small village until the Industrial Revolution and the construction of the ship canal in the late 18th century. The town rapidly expanded as workers settled here to work in the new industries, particularly coal mining, with three collieries operating within the town at one point.
The expansion continued into the 20th century, and at its peak in the 1960s Irlam had a population of over 30,000. However, the decline of the coal and steel industries in the second half of the century led to a sharp decline in the town’s population and economy. Today, the population stands at around 11,500, and the town has been rejuvenated in recent years with significant redevelopment.
The name “Irlam” is derived from the Old English hyrne and lam, referring to a lowlying meadow unsuitable for cultivation. The first record of the name dates from 1182, when it was spelt “Irilam”.
The earliest known settlement in the area was a small Roman fort located just south of the presentday town centre. The fort, which was probably built in the 2nd century AD, was located on the road from Manchester to Ribchester. It is thought to have been abandoned in the 4th century.
The AngloSaxons began settle in the area in the 5th century, and by the 11th century the manor of Irlam was held by the Massey family. The manor was subsequently acquired by the Baron of Manchester, and remained in the possession of the manorial lord until the 19th century.
The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal began in 1794, and was completed in 1894. The canal brought new industry and prosperity to the area, and Irlam soon became a thriving industrial town.
The first coal mine in Irlam was opened in 1795, and by the turn of the century there were three collieries in operation. The coal mines brought new population growth, and by 1801 the population of Irlam had reached 1,316.
The population continued to grow throughout the 19th century, reaching 5,349 by 1861. The growth was due to both the coal mines and the iron works which were established in the town.
In 1866, the world’s first ever combine harvester was built in Irlam. The machine, which was invented by Daniel Harvey, revolutionised agriculture and drastically reduced the amount of manual labour required.
The 20th century saw further population growth, reaching a peak of 30,764 in 1961. However, the decline of the coal and steel industries in the latter half of the century led to a sharp decline in the town’s population and economy.
Today, the town is undergoing a process of regeneration, with plans to revitalise the town centre and attract new businesses. The population of Irlam stands at around 11,500.
Vacation in Irlam
Irlam is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Salford, in Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Lancashire, the town lies on the south bank of the River Irwell, 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Eccles, 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Manchester city centre and 11 miles (18 km) southeast of Warrington.
At the 2011 Census, the town had a population of 13,048.
Irlam was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Irleham” and Later in 1229 as “Irlam”.
The name probably means “eel lea”, home to eels or “earths by the water”.
The first evidence of human occupation in the area dates to the Bronze Age. There are burial mounds on Chat Moss and Irlam Hall Lodge which also date to the Bronze Age.
In the 1st century AD, the Romans built a fort at ‘Mancunium’ which was later to become the City of Manchester. The fort was situated on a crossing of the River Medlock close to its confluence with the River Irwell, and was probably constructed as part of the Emperor Nero’s plans to improve communications in the northwest of England.
The junction of the two rivers provided a natural crossing point for trade and communication, and the fort would have served as a base for the Roman army in the northwest of England.
In the early 2nd century AD, the fort was enlarged and renamed ‘Fort Albert’. Around this time, a civilian settlement began to develop around the fort which became known as ‘Mancunium’.
In the 3rd century AD, the fort was again enlarged and renamed ‘Fort Vecilarius’. By this time, the settlement had grown to become a town with a population of around 5,000.
In the 4th century AD, the Roman army withdrew from Britain, and the town of Mancunium was abandoned.
In the early 8th century, the Angles, a Germanic tribe, invaded Britain and occupied the northwest of England. The town of Mancunium was reestablished around this time and given the English name of ‘Irlam’.
In the 11th century, the Earls of Chester established a castle at Irlam. The castle was probably built to defend the approaches to the city of Chester from the south.
The town of Irlam grew up around the castle and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it had a population of around 200.
During the medieval period, Irlam was an important market town and a Bishop had a Palace here.
In the 19th century, the arrival of the Manchester Ship Canal transformed Irlam from a rural backwater into an industrial powerhouse.
The town’s population grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as workers moved here to find employment in the factories and mills that were springing up along the canal.
Today, Irlam is a busy town with a population of around 13,000. It is located just 4 miles from Manchester city centre and has good transport links to the rest of the country.
There are a number of things to see and do in Irlam, including the awardwinning Babbacombe Model Village, which is a miniature replica of a typical English village complete with gardens, rivers and a working railway.
Irlam is also home to the Dockyard, a popular visitor attraction which tells the story of the shipbuilding industry on the Manchester Ship Canal.
If you are looking for a place to eat out in Irlam, there is a good selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, there is a range of hotels, guesthouses and selfcatering accommodation available in the town.
So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer holiday, Irlam is an ideal place to visit.
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