The development of Chorley's rich heritage has over the ages included many new faces forming a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs and languages. Over hundreds of years many have worked on national infrastructure building projects, in the mills, in industry and serving the community in a variety of ways; over the years many have departed these shores for their homeland or elsewhere. Some have stayed following their own cultures and beliefs.
As a part of this website everyone who has contributed to our heritage is welcome to add their stories and photographs to complete the picture of Chorley's development; and the fascinating way we all live our own private lives.
Please feel free to 'contact us' through the menu option at the bottom of the page and submit your story, or the story of the history of your part in the history of Chorley.
We have to start somewhere and most of this website currently concentrates on the 1800's up to the present date, later we may expand this. However, Chorley's history starts way before then with settlers from Europe and from whom the majority are descended; they too brought their own beliefs and cultures which are the foundation upon which Chorley was built
It is impossible to consider the full picture of the heritage of Chorley without recognising the interaction of the community with the Christian Church.
From the Saxon period (10th Century) to the present day we can trace how the Church has provided a focus for people to celebrate the significant events of both individuals and the community.
The 2001 census shows that 84% of the population of Chorley Borough identified themselves as being Christian. Although this does not mean that every one identifying themselves as Christian was an active member of a Church it is the case that Church attendance remains relatively high in Chorley. Some 30,000 people are regularly involved each month in Church related activities. The Church controls 37 of the 51 primary and 3 of the 6 secondary schools in the area, it holds property valued at over one billion pounds and is custodian of most of the Borough's historic buildings. The Churches run clubs and activities for a range of age and interest groups.