Heywood can trace its roots back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Its earliest settlers were Saxons, whose clearing of thickly wooded areas into 'heys', or fenced clearings, is thought to have given the town its name.
Originally part of the township of Heap, Heywood grew during the boom years of the cotton industry. With excellent transport to the M62 and M66 motorways, Heywood is now an important centre for the distribution of goods.
History of Heywood
Heywood can trace its roots back to the Anglo Saxon period. The Saxons cleared thickly wooded areas into 'Heys' or fenced clearings, which likely gave the area its name. The Anglo-Saxon word "haga" means a hedge, thus Heywood possibly means 'the wood surrounded by a hedge.' At one time Heywood was spelt as 'Eywode' which points strongly to its derivation being from the Anglo Saxon 'ea' meaning water - thus 'the wood surrounded by the stream' is another possible source of the name.
Originally part of the township of Heap, Heywood grew to be the town we know and love due to the Cotton Trade. With excellent transport links thanks to the M62 and M66 Heywood has become the centre for the distribution of goods.
It's not known exactly when Heywood first got the nickname "Monkey Town" but the term was being used as far back as 1857. Bob Dobson in 'Lancashire Nicknames & Sayings' states that the nickname originated from Irish immigrants pronouncing 'Heap Bridge' as 'Ape Bridge,' and believes that the name 'Monkey Town' derived from this. With the nickname came the stools with holes in them - supposedly for the monkey's tails. In fact the holes were for carrying the stools.
The railways are inextricably linked to the area's industrial past, providing vital links to country's network of import, export, raw material, and, most importantly, workers. The East Lancashire Railway is now a 20km heritage steam line, running between Heywood and Rawtenstall, with stations at Ramsbottom and Bury in between. Events are a popular feature of the heritage line including, days out with Thomas, diesel steam gala events and the 1940s war weekend.
More things to do in Heywood
There are lots of activites and places to visit in Heywood. Use the search function above to find things to do in the area, such as what's on, shopping and more.
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