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Bolton was granted its first charter as a free borough by King Henry III in 1253.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Bolton received its charter as a free borough in 1253, the charter was granted by William de Ferrers, the 5th Earl of Derby, not King Henry III.
Following the 1253 charter, Bolton quickly became a self-governing entity, independent of the lord of the manor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite the charter granted in 1253, Bolton did not develop into a self-governing entity and remained subject to the authority of the lord of the manor.
The Bolton Improvement Act of 1792 established the Great Bolton Improvement Trustees and the Police Commissioners for Little Bolton.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bolton Improvement Act of 1792 established distinct administrative bodies: the Great Bolton Improvement Trustees and the Police Commissioners for Little Bolton, to manage the town's expansion.
The Bolton Improvement Act of 1792 aimed to manage the town's expansion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bolton Improvement Act of 1792 was enacted to manage the town's rapid expansion and establish local administrative bodies.
What event marked the creation of Bolton as a free borough in 1253?
Answer: The signing of a charter by William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby
Explanation: The creation of Bolton as a free borough in 1253 was marked by the granting of a charter by William de Ferrers, the 5th Earl of Derby.
What was the primary purpose of the Bolton Improvement Act of 1792?
Answer: To manage the town's rapid expansion
Explanation: The primary purpose of the Bolton Improvement Act of 1792 was to manage the town's rapid expansion and establish local administrative bodies.
Bolton was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1838 under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1838, operating under the framework established by the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.
The validity of Bolton's 1838 charter was immediately accepted without challenge by all parties.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legitimacy of Bolton's 1838 borough charter faced challenges, leading to initial opposition and disputes regarding the jurisdiction of the new corporation.
The Borough Charters Confirmation Act 1842 officially confirmed the legal standing of Bolton's charter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Borough Charters Confirmation Act of 1842 served to officially validate the legal standing of Bolton's charter, along with those of other boroughs.
Initially, the municipal borough of Bolton was divided into six administrative wards.
Answer: True
Explanation: The municipal borough of Bolton was initially structured into six administrative wards: Bradford, Church, Derby, East, Exchange, and West.
By 1877, Bolton's ward structure had expanded to include nine wards.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1877, Bolton's ward structure had expanded significantly, incorporating new areas and increasing the total number of wards to nine.
The Borough Corporation assumed responsibility for the Great Bolton and Little Bolton trusts in 1850.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Borough Corporation assumed responsibility for the Great Bolton and Little Bolton trusts, originally established by the 1792 Act, in 1850.
Bolton's municipal borough was initially composed of Great Bolton, Little Bolton, and the Haulgh area.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initial municipal borough of Bolton was composed of Great Bolton, Little Bolton, and the Haulgh area, which was part of the Tonge with Haulgh township.
Which legislative act provided the framework for Bolton's incorporation as a municipal borough in 1838?
Answer: The Municipal Corporations Act 1835
Explanation: The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 provided the legislative framework for Bolton's incorporation as a municipal borough in 1838.
How many wards constituted the original municipal borough of Bolton?
Answer: Six
Explanation: The original municipal borough of Bolton was divided into six administrative wards.
Which area was added in 1872, creating the seventh ward of Bolton?
Answer: Daubhill
Explanation: The Daubhill area was added in 1872, leading to the creation of the seventh ward, known as Rumworth.
Which of the following was NOT included in the areas incorporated into Bolton's municipal borough in 1838?
Answer: Tonge village
Explanation: Tonge village was not included in the areas incorporated into Bolton's municipal borough in 1838; the incorporation comprised Great Bolton, Little Bolton, and the Haulgh area.
The County Borough of Bolton existed as a local government district continuously from 1838 until 1974.
Answer: True
Explanation: The County Borough of Bolton functioned as a local government district from its establishment in 1838 until its dissolution in 1974, encompassing the administrative area of Bolton.
Bolton achieved county borough status in 1889 due to its population exceeding 100,000.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton achieved county borough status in 1889 not because its population exceeded 100,000, but because it surpassed the threshold of 50,000 inhabitants as stipulated by the Local Government Act of 1888.
As a county borough, Bolton was entirely separate from the administration of Lancashire County Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: While a county borough, Bolton maintained administrative independence from Lancashire County Council, although it remained part of the county for certain specific functions such as judicial matters and lieutenancy.
Under what circumstances did Bolton achieve county borough status in 1889?
Answer: Its population surpassed 50,000 inhabitants, as per the Local Government Act of 1888
Explanation: Bolton achieved county borough status in 1889 because its population surpassed the threshold of 50,000 inhabitants, as stipulated by the Local Government Act of 1888.
Which of the following was NOT a responsibility that remained with Lancashire County Council for county boroughs like Bolton?
Answer: Local policing and fire services
Explanation: Responsibilities such as local policing and fire services were transferred to the county borough itself, meaning they were NOT retained by Lancashire County Council.
Bolton's population decreased between 1901 and 1911.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton's population increased between 1901 and 1911, growing from 168,215 to 180,851.
The population of the County Borough of Bolton was higher in 1971 than in 1891.
Answer: True
Explanation: The population of the County Borough of Bolton in 1971 (154,223) was indeed higher than its population in 1891 (146,487).
The estimated population of Bolton in 1939 was calculated using census data from that year.
Answer: False
Explanation: The estimated population for Bolton in 1939 was derived from identity card registrations under the National Registration Act 1939, as the scheduled 1941 census was cancelled due to World War II, not from census data of that year.
Bolton's population showed a consistent decline from 1951 to 1971.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton's population did not show a consistent decline from 1951 to 1971; it increased slightly from 1951 to 1961 before decreasing by 1971.
Bolton's population increased by approximately 7.5% between 1901 and 1911.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton's population increased by approximately 7.5%, from 168,215 in 1901 to 180,851 in 1911.
Which of the following best describes Bolton's population trend between 1901 and 1939?
Answer: Initial growth peaking around 1911, followed by a gradual decline
Explanation: Bolton's population trend between 1901 and 1939 showed initial growth peaking around 1911, followed by a gradual decline thereafter.
How did Bolton's population change between 1951 and 1961?
Answer: It decreased slightly
Explanation: Bolton's population decreased slightly between 1951 and 1961, from 167,167 to 160,789.
What was the population of Bolton in 1891, according to census data?
Answer: 146,487
Explanation: According to census data, the population of Bolton in 1891 was 146,487.
The arrow on Bolton's coat of arms symbolizes the town's involvement in the Battle of Flodden.
Answer: True
Explanation: The arrow depicted on Bolton's coat of arms symbolizes the town's historical participation in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, specifically referencing the archers from Bolton.
Samuel Crompton's spinning mule was represented by a weaver's shuttle in the 1890 coat of arms.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Samuel Crompton's spinning mule is represented by a spindle on the 1890 coat of arms, the weaver's shuttle represents the broader cotton industry, not the mule itself.
The red rose of Lancaster was included on Bolton's coat of arms to signify its location in Yorkshire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The red rose of Lancaster was included on Bolton's coat of arms to signify its historical location within the county of Lancashire, not Yorkshire.
The elephant and castle crest on Bolton's coat of arms potentially referenced Coventry's heraldry.
Answer: True
Explanation: The elephant and castle crest on Bolton's coat of arms, retained from earlier unofficial arms, potentially referenced the heraldry of Coventry.
Black lions were added as supporters to Bolton's coat of arms in 1958 to represent the town's historical military alliances.
Answer: False
Explanation: The black lions added as supporters in 1958 represented the Flemish immigrants who were instrumental in establishing Bolton's textile industry, not historical military alliances.
The motto 'Supera Moras' is a Latin phrase meaning 'Overcome Delays,' referencing Bolton's historical name.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Supera Moras' translates to 'Overcome Delays' and serves as a pun on Bolton's historical name, Bolton-le-Moors.
The spindle symbol on Bolton's coat of arms represents the town's historical connection to archery.
Answer: False
Explanation: The spindle symbol on Bolton's coat of arms represents the town's historical connection to the textile industry, specifically Samuel Crompton's spinning mule, not archery.
The Flemish immigrants who were instrumental in Bolton's textile industry are represented by the black lions in the coat of arms.
Answer: True
Explanation: The black lions added as supporters in 1958 represented the Flemish immigrants who were instrumental in establishing Bolton's textile industry.
The mitre in Bolton's coat of arms relates to the town's historical significance within the Diocese of Mercia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The mitre in Bolton's coat of arms relates to the town's historical significance within the Diocese of Mercia.
What does the arrow on Bolton's official coat of arms (granted 1890) symbolize?
Answer: The archers from Bolton at the Battle of Flodden in 1513
Explanation: The arrow on Bolton's official coat of arms, granted in 1890, symbolizes the participation of archers from Bolton at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
Which symbols representing the cotton industry were included in Bolton's 1890 coat of arms?
Answer: A spindle and a weaver's shuttle
Explanation: The 1890 coat of arms included a spindle, representing Samuel Crompton's spinning mule, and a weaver's shuttle, symbolizing the broader cotton industry.
What historical connection does the gold mitre in Bolton's coat of arms represent?
Answer: Its historical position within the Diocese of Mercia
Explanation: The gold mitre in Bolton's coat of arms represents its historical position within the Diocese of Mercia.
Who were represented by the black lions added as supporters to Bolton's coat of arms in 1958?
Answer: Flemish immigrants who established the textile industry
Explanation: The black lions added as supporters in 1958 represented the Flemish immigrants who were instrumental in establishing Bolton's textile industry.
What is the meaning of the Latin motto 'Supera Moras' adopted by the County Borough of Bolton?
Answer: Overcome Delays
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Supera Moras' adopted by the County Borough of Bolton translates to 'Overcome Delays,' serving as a pun on the town's historical name, Bolton-le-Moors.
The symbols of a spindle and a shuttle on Bolton's coat of arms represent:
Answer: The importance of the cotton industry
Explanation: The symbols of a spindle and a shuttle on Bolton's coat of arms represent the historical importance of the cotton industry.
The elephant and castle crest on Bolton's unofficial arms possibly referenced which other city's arms?
Answer: Coventry
Explanation: The elephant and castle crest on Bolton's unofficial arms possibly referenced the heraldry of Coventry.
Bolton Corporation began constructing its tramway network in partnership with neighboring districts in 1880.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton Corporation commenced the construction of its horse tramway network in 1880, engaging in partnerships with neighboring districts.
Bolton's tram system transitioned entirely to electric power by 1900.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton's tram system completed its transition to electric power by January 1, 1900, marking the cessation of horse traction the following day.
By 1909, Bolton's tram network extended to Atherton and Leigh through joint-running agreements.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1909, Bolton's tram network had extended its reach to Atherton and Leigh through established joint-running agreements.
Bus services replaced Bolton's tram services starting in 1923, with the last tram running in 1947.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bus services began replacing Bolton's tram routes starting in 1933, with the final tram service concluding in 1947.
Bolton Corporation Transport was absorbed into the SELNEC PTE structure in 1974.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton Corporation Transport was acquired by the SELNEC PTE on November 1, 1969, not in 1974.
A preserved bus from Bolton Corporation Transport is housed at the Museum of Transport in Manchester.
Answer: True
Explanation: A preserved bus from Bolton Corporation Transport, a 1956 Leyland PD2, is indeed housed at the Museum of Transport in Manchester.
Bolton Corporation took over the private waterworks in 1847 to supply water primarily for industrial boilers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton Corporation assumed control of the private waterworks in 1847, primarily to ensure a water supply suitable for industrial boilers, as local hard water was detrimental.
The Turton and Entwistle Reservoir was secured in 1864 specifically for industrial water needs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Turton and Entwistle Reservoir, secured in 1864, was specifically intended for providing drinking water, not solely for industrial needs.
The County Borough Corporation supplied water to neighboring areas including Farnworth, Radcliffe, and Westhoughton.
Answer: True
Explanation: The County Borough Corporation of Bolton supplied water to numerous neighboring areas, including the municipal boroughs of Farnworth and Radcliffe, and the urban districts of Westhoughton and Kearsley.
Following the Water Act 1973, Bolton's water undertaking was transferred to the North West Water Authority.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Water Act of 1973, Bolton's water undertaking was transferred to the newly established North West Water Authority.
Electric lighting services were introduced by Bolton Corporation in 1894.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton Corporation introduced electric lighting services in the year 1894.
The original Spa Road power station was sufficient, leading to the construction of the Back o' th' Bank facility later.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial Spa Road power station proved insufficient for Bolton's needs, necessitating the later construction of the larger Back o' th' Bank facility, which became operational in 1914.
Nationalization under the Electricity Act of 1947 merged Bolton's Electricity Department into the North Western Electricity Board.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nationalization of the electricity industry under the Electricity Act of 1947 resulted in Bolton's Electricity Department being merged into the North Western Electricity Board.
Bolton Corporation acquired the Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company in 1818.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton Corporation acquired the Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company in 1872, not 1818. The company itself was established in 1818.
Bolton's gas undertaking was transferred to the North West Gas Board following the Gas Act of 1948.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bolton's gas undertaking was transferred to the North West Gas Board subsequent to the Gas Act of 1948.
Bolton's first power station was located at Back o' th' Bank.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bolton's first power station was located on Spa Road; the Back o' th' Bank facility was a later, larger station commissioned in 1914.
The Bolton Corporation began operating electric trams on January 1, 1900.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bolton Corporation commenced operating electric trams on January 1, 1900, marking the end of horse traction the following day.
When did Bolton Corporation begin the construction of its horse tramway network?
Answer: 1880
Explanation: Bolton Corporation began the construction of its horse tramway network in 1880.
What year marked the official transfer of tramway operation to Bolton Corporation and the cessation of horse traction?
Answer: 1900
Explanation: The official transfer of tramway operation to Bolton Corporation and the cessation of horse traction occurred on January 1, 1900.
Which mode of transport began replacing Bolton's tram routes starting in 1933?
Answer: Motor buses
Explanation: Motor buses began replacing Bolton's tram routes starting in 1933.
Bolton Corporation Transport was acquired by the SELNEC PTE on what date?
Answer: November 1, 1969
Explanation: Bolton Corporation Transport was acquired by the SELNEC PTE on November 1, 1969.
What was the primary industrial reason for Bolton Corporation taking over the local waterworks in 1847?
Answer: To ensure a water supply suitable for industrial use, as local hard water damaged boilers
Explanation: The primary industrial reason for Bolton Corporation taking over the waterworks in 1847 was to ensure a water supply suitable for industrial boilers, as local hard water was detrimental.
After the nationalization of the electricity industry, Bolton's Electricity Department became part of which larger body?
Answer: The North Western Electricity Board
Explanation: Following nationalization, Bolton's Electricity Department became part of the North Western Electricity Board.
When was the Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company, later acquired by the corporation, originally established?
Answer: 1818
Explanation: The Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company was originally established in 1818.
What administrative change occurred in 1973 concerning Bolton's gas undertaking?
Answer: It was transferred to the North West Gas Board
Explanation: In 1973, Bolton's gas undertaking was transferred to the North West Gas Board, following the Gas Act.
The first Bolton town council was dominated by Conservatives and was notably opposed to The People's Charter.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial town council formed after Bolton's 1838 incorporation was dominated by Whigs and Radicals, who were notably supportive of The People's Charter, contrary to the assertion of Conservative dominance.
The Conservative party first gained control of Bolton's council in 1842, shortly after the first contested elections.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Conservative party did not gain control of Bolton's council in 1842; rather, the first contested elections following the 1838 charter occurred in November 1842, and the Conservatives achieved a majority in 1844.
Labour representatives first gained significant prominence on Bolton's council in the late 1880s following a major strike.
Answer: False
Explanation: Labour representatives did not gain significant prominence in the late 1880s; their substantial electoral success began later, with a notable increase following the 1887 Engineers' Strike.
Labour gained control of Bolton's council for the first time in 1946.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Labour party achieved control of Bolton's council for the first time in 1946.
The Conservative party held continuous control of Bolton's council from 1965 until the borough's abolition in 1974.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Conservative party did not hold continuous control from 1965 to 1974; Labour regained control in the final election held in 1972.
What was the initial political composition of Bolton's first town council after its 1838 incorporation?
Answer: Comprised entirely of Whigs and Radicals, supportive of The People's Charter
Explanation: The first town council of Bolton, following its 1838 incorporation, was composed entirely of Whigs and Radicals, who were supportive of The People's Charter.
What significant event led to the election of eight Labour representatives on Bolton's council in the late 19th century?
Answer: The 1887 Bolton Engineers' Strike
Explanation: The election of eight Labour representatives in the late 19th century was significantly influenced by the Bolton Engineers' Strike of 1887.
When did the Labour party first gain control of Bolton's council?
Answer: 1946
Explanation: The Labour party first gained control of Bolton's council in 1946.
The County Borough of Bolton was abolished in 1974 and its area became part of Merseyside.
Answer: False
Explanation: The County Borough of Bolton was abolished in 1974, but its territory was incorporated into Greater Manchester, not Merseyside.
The Bolton Turton and Westhoughton Extension Act of 1898 primarily aimed to incorporate the Bolton Rural District.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bolton Turton and Westhoughton Extension Act of 1898 was primarily enacted to facilitate the incorporation of parts of the Bolton Rural District into the county borough.
Following the 1898 Extension Act, Bolton had a total of sixteen wards until its dissolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 1898 Extension Act, Bolton's ward structure was reorganized, ultimately resulting in sixteen wards until the borough's dissolution.
The County Borough of Bolton bordered the municipal borough of Wigan to the south.
Answer: False
Explanation: The County Borough of Bolton bordered districts such as Turton and Radcliffe to the north and east, respectively, and Farnworth and Westhoughton to the south, but it did not border Wigan to the south.
The area of the County Borough of Bolton remained constant at approximately 61.8 square kilometers between 1911 and 1961.
Answer: True
Explanation: The area of the County Borough of Bolton remained relatively constant, recorded at approximately 15,279 acres (61.8 sq km) in 1911 and 15,280 acres (61.8 sq km) in 1961.
The County Borough of Bolton was officially abolished in 1974, with its territory becoming part of Greater Manchester.
Answer: True
Explanation: The County Borough of Bolton was officially abolished in 1974, with its territory becoming part of the newly formed metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.
What administrative entity replaced the County Borough of Bolton after its abolition in 1974?
Answer: Greater Manchester
Explanation: Upon the abolition of the County Borough of Bolton in 1974, its territory was incorporated into the newly formed metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.
Which of the following urban districts bordered the County Borough of Bolton to the east?
Answer: Radcliffe and Little Lever
Explanation: The urban districts of Radcliffe and Little Lever bordered the County Borough of Bolton to the east.
What was the approximate area of the County Borough of Bolton in 1961?
Answer: 15,280 acres
Explanation: The approximate area of the County Borough of Bolton in 1961 was 15,280 acres (approximately 61.8 square kilometers).