Over Hulton

Coordinates: 53°32′38″N 2°28′16″W / 53.544°N 2.471°W / 53.544; -2.471

Over Hulton is a suburb of Westhoughton within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, in Greater Manchester, England.Historically part of Lancashire, it lies 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south west of Bolton.

History

The ancient district of Hulton, contained three townships, Over Hulton, Middle Hulton and Little Hulton, it was recorded as Helghtun and Hulton in 1235, Hilton in 1278 and 1292, Hulton in 1292 although Hilton was still used until the 17th century. The chief manor was held by the Hultons at Hulton Park in Over Hulton.

The earliest recorded Hultons were Iorweth and Madoc who came from Wales in 1167. It is possible they were joining family who were in the township from 989. Richard de Hulton, is recorded as having freehold of lands in the districts of Hulton, Ordsall, Flixton and Heaton in 1304. At Hulton he built Hulton Hall which was surrounded by a 1,316-acre (5.33 km²) park with 4 acres (16,000 m²) of water. The estate was rich in coal mines. The last surviving member of the Hulton family was Sir Geoffrey Hulton, his family had owned the land for 800 years. The hall was demolished in 1958.