New Information about Davenport Fold in Harwood

Article reproduced from TLHS Newsletter No. 109 (April 2026), by Stephen Tonge.

A new accession was received in 2025 by Bolton Archives; 24 deeds tracing the descent of Davenport Fold between 1606 and 1822.  The deeds had apparently been in a family member's loft in Heaton for some time.  The documents add to our knowledge of Harwood that was set out in Fred Horridge's excellent book (TLHS No 27).  As Fred described, the manor of Harwood was purchased by five yeomen in 1612 for £1,100.  They were entrusted to convey the various tenements located in their 300-acre holding to the other tenants in possession.

These Isles (Brian Groom)

Upcoming Talk - March 2026

7.30pm at Harwood Methodist Church
Thursday 26th March 2026

Speaker: Brian Groom

These Isles: The Fascinating Story of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Bestselling author Brian Groom returns to give us an entertaining sweep through the entwined histories of Britain and Ireland’s nations – and the people who have called them home. Based on his new book, he reveals a colourful and often-contested story of the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans and others who have occupied these islands, along with their culture, languages and passions. He will explore the role of religion and the British Empire, international diasporas and internal migration, gender relations and war - and outline how the North West fits into the story.

Boudica, Queen of the Iceni

Brian Groom is a journalist and author. His book Northerners: A History, from the Ice Age to the Present Day (2022), became a national bestseller. He is also author of Made in Manchester: A People’s History of the City That Shaped the Modern World (2024). These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is published by HarperNorth in February 2026.