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Swinton, Greater Manchester Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The History and Geography of Swinton

Cheat Sheet:
The History and Geography of Swinton Study Guide

Geographical Setting and Demographics

Swinton is situated northwest of Manchester, historically within the county of Lancashire.

Answer: True

Explanation: Swinton is indeed located northwest of Manchester and was historically part of Lancashire before its incorporation into Greater Manchester.

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Swinton was historically part of Lancashire, not Cheshire, before becoming incorporated into Greater Manchester.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to its inclusion in Greater Manchester, Swinton was historically situated within the county of Lancashire.

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Swinton's population was estimated to be approximately 22,931 in 2014, not 15,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to estimates from 2014, Swinton's population was recorded as approximately 22,931 residents.

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Which metropolitan county does Swinton currently belong to?

Answer: Greater Manchester

Explanation: Swinton is currently situated within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.

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According to the 2014 estimate, what was Swinton's population?

Answer: 22,931 residents

Explanation: In 2014, Swinton's estimated population was recorded as 22,931 residents.

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Before modern local government structures, Swinton was historically part of which larger county?

Answer: Lancashire

Explanation: Historically, Swinton was situated within the county of Lancashire prior to the establishment of contemporary local government frameworks.

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What is the approximate elevation of Swinton above sea level?

Answer: Approximately 65 meters

Explanation: Swinton is situated at an elevation of approximately 65 meters (213 feet) above sea level.

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Etymology and Early History

The name Swinton originates from the Old Norse term 'Sveinn's town', referring to a settlement belonging to a Viking named Sveinn.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name Swinton originates from the Old English term 'Swynton,' meaning 'swine town,' indicating a historical association with pig farming or a settlement related to pigs, rather than an Old Norse origin.

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During the High Middle Ages, Swinton was primarily an agricultural area, with farming and hand-loom weaving as the main occupations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that during the High Middle Ages, Swinton's economy was predominantly agricultural, supplemented by hand-loom weaving.

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What is the etymological meaning of the name Swinton?

Answer: Swine town, indicating a connection to pigs

Explanation: The name Swinton derives from the Old English 'Swynton,' meaning 'swine town,' signifying a historical association with pig farming or a settlement related to pigs.

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What were the main occupations in Swinton during the High Middle Ages?

Answer: Farming and hand-loom weaving

Explanation: During the High Middle Ages, Swinton's economy was primarily based on agriculture, supplemented by the domestic system of hand-loom weaving.

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Industrial Transformation and Infrastructure

The Industrial Revolution transformed Swinton into an industrial area, characterized by the development of collieries and brickmaking industries, with bricks used in projects such as the Bridgewater Canal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution significantly altered Swinton's landscape, fostering the growth of coal mining and brickmaking, with materials supplied for infrastructure projects like the Bridgewater Canal.

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The A580, the East Lancashire Road, was the UK's first purpose-built intercity highway, with its southern boundary terminating at Swinton.

Answer: True

Explanation: The A580, known as the East Lancashire Road, holds the distinction of being the United Kingdom's first purpose-built intercity highway, and its southern terminus was indeed located at Swinton.

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Swinton is served by two railway stations, Swinton and Moorside, located on the Manchester-Southport line, not the Manchester-Liverpool line.

Answer: True

Explanation: Swinton is served by two stations, Swinton and Moorside, both situated on the Manchester-Southport railway line.

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The Bridgewater Canal passes to the south of Swinton, and bricks from the town were utilized in its construction.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bridgewater Canal runs south of Swinton, and bricks produced in Swinton during the Industrial Revolution were indeed incorporated into its construction.

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How did the Industrial Revolution significantly change Swinton?

Answer: It transformed the town into an important industrial area with collieries and brickmaking.

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution catalyzed Swinton's transformation into a significant industrial hub, marked by the establishment of collieries and brickmaking enterprises.

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What was the historical significance of the A580 (East Lancashire Road) in relation to Swinton?

Answer: It was the UK's first purpose-built intercity highway, terminating at Swinton.

Explanation: The A580, or East Lancashire Road, holds historical significance as the United Kingdom's inaugural purpose-built intercity highway, with its southern terminus established at Swinton.

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Which railway line serves both Swinton and Moorside stations?

Answer: The Manchester-Southport line

Explanation: Both Swinton and Moorside railway stations are served by the Manchester-Southport line.

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What is the relationship between Swinton's brickmaking industry and the Bridgewater Canal?

Answer: Swinton bricks were used in the construction of the Bridgewater Canal.

Explanation: Bricks manufactured in Swinton during the Industrial Revolution were utilized in the construction of the Bridgewater Canal, which passes south of the town.

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Governance and Civic Landmarks

Swinton and Pendlebury officially became a municipal borough in 1934, not 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: The municipal borough status for Swinton and Pendlebury was officially granted in 1934, predating the local government reorganizations of 1974.

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Following the Local Government Act 1972, Swinton became an unparished area within the City of Salford in Greater Manchester, effective April 1, 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a consequence of the Local Government Act 1972, Swinton's administrative status changed on April 1, 1974, becoming an unparished area within the newly formed City of Salford, Greater Manchester.

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The Salford Civic Centre, formerly Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall, is a neoclassical building with a prominent clock tower, not constructed entirely of glass and steel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Salford Civic Centre, originally the Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall, is characterized by its neoclassical architecture and a distinctive clock tower, differing from a modern glass and steel construction.

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Wardley Hall, a significant landmark in Swinton, is an early medieval manor house and serves as the official residence for the Roman Catholic bishops of Salford.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wardley Hall is recognized as a significant historical site in Swinton, functioning as an early medieval manor house and the official residence for the Roman Catholic bishops of Salford.

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The clock tower of the Salford Civic Centre stands approximately 125 feet (38 meters) high, not 125 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The clock tower adorning the Salford Civic Centre measures approximately 125 feet (38 meters) in height.

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The coat of arms for the Swinton and Pendlebury Municipal Borough was granted in 1934, not 1933.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official grant of the coat of arms for the Swinton and Pendlebury Municipal Borough Council occurred in 1934.

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The local board of health established in Swinton in 1867 was primarily focused on managing sanitation and hygiene standards, not railway infrastructure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The local board of health established in Swinton in 1867 was tasked with overseeing sanitation and hygiene standards within the area.

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The Salford Civic Centre's neoclassical design, which closely resembled Swansea Guildhall, received the RIBA Gold Medal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The neoclassical design of the Salford Civic Centre, noted for its similarity to Swansea Guildhall, was honored with the prestigious RIBA Gold Medal.

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When did Swinton and Pendlebury officially gain honorific borough status?

Answer: 1934

Explanation: Swinton and Pendlebury officially attained honorific borough status in 1934, following the granting of its Charter of Incorporation.

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What administrative change occurred for Swinton on April 1, 1974?

Answer: It became an unparished area within the City of Salford.

Explanation: Effective April 1, 1974, Swinton transitioned to an unparished area within the newly established City of Salford, as per the Local Government Act 1972.

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Which neoclassical building, featuring a 125-foot clock tower, is Swinton's primary architectural landmark?

Answer: Salford Civic Centre (formerly Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall)

Explanation: The Salford Civic Centre, historically known as Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall, stands as Swinton's principal architectural landmark, distinguished by its neoclassical design and prominent clock tower.

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What is the historical and religious significance of Wardley Hall?

Answer: It is an early medieval manor house serving as the residence for the Roman Catholic bishops of Salford.

Explanation: Wardley Hall holds significant historical and religious importance as an early medieval manor house that functions as the official residence for the Roman Catholic bishops of Salford.

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What architectural award did the design of the Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall (now Salford Civic Centre) receive?

Answer: The RIBA Gold Medal

Explanation: The architectural design of the Swinton and Pendlebury Town Hall, now the Salford Civic Centre, was honored with the RIBA Gold Medal.

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What was the function of the Swinton local board of health established in 1867?

Answer: To oversee sanitation and hygiene standards.

Explanation: The Swinton local board of health, established in 1867, was responsible for maintaining standards of hygiene and sanitation within the area.

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Cultural and Social Landscape

The renowned Manchester United player Ryan Giggs began his football career at the Swinton-based junior club Deans F.C.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ryan Giggs, a celebrated figure in professional football, initiated his career at Deans F.C., a junior club located in Swinton.

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Charles Dickens visited the Swinton Industrial School during its operational period in the mid-19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The records indicate that the author Charles Dickens made a visit to the Swinton Industrial School during its active years in the mid-19th century.

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A teacher at St. Peter's CE Primary School was dismissed in 2016 for stealing school property to fund a gambling habit, not a drug addiction.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2016, a teacher at St. Peter's CE Primary School was dismissed due to theft of school property, which was subsequently pawned to support a gambling habit.

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St. Peter's CE Primary School received the Artsmark Silver Award in 2006, among other accolades.

Answer: True

Explanation: St. Peter's CE Primary School achieved recognition in 2006 by receiving the Artsmark Silver Award, in addition to the Healthy Schools Award.

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Moorside High School and St Ambrose Barlow RC High School are two of the secondary schools in Swinton; Co-op Academy Swinton is also located there.

Answer: True

Explanation: Swinton hosts multiple secondary schools, including Moorside High School, St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, and Co-op Academy Swinton.

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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, a distinguished composer, created an orchestral work titled 'Swinton Jig,' inspired by his upbringing in the town.

Answer: True

Explanation: The distinguished composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, who was raised in Swinton, composed the orchestral piece 'Swinton Jig' in 1998, drawing inspiration from his formative years in the town.

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Roger Smalley, a composer, was born in Swinton in 1943, not Manchester.

Answer: True

Explanation: The composer Roger Smalley was born in Swinton in 1943 and commenced his musical career in his hometown.

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Swinton weavers participated in the Chartist agitations of 1842, which included an attempt to destroy a local colliery.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1842, residents of Swinton, including weavers, were involved in Chartist agitations, which notably included an attempt to sabotage a local colliery.

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The Swinton Industrial School was established to provide education and care for children, not vocational training for adult workers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Swinton Industrial School was founded with the purpose of providing care and education for children, representing a shift towards improved child welfare practices.

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Swinton serves as a commuter town, benefiting from its transport infrastructure and proximity to Manchester city centre.

Answer: True

Explanation: Due to its transport links and proximity to Manchester, Swinton functions effectively as a commuter town.

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The Greater Manchester Gazetteer is maintained by the Greater Manchester County Record Office, not solely for tourism purposes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Greater Manchester Gazetteer is a resource managed by the Greater Manchester County Record Office, providing information on place names and administrative details.

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The Manchester Poor Law Union established the Swinton Industrial School in 1843, reflecting a shift towards improved child welfare and education.

Answer: True

Explanation: The establishment of the Swinton Industrial School in 1843 by the Manchester Poor Law Union marked a progression towards more enlightened practices concerning child welfare and education.

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Swinton RLFC holds a distinguished record of six Championship titles and three Challenge Cup victories, exceeding the achievements of their rivals, Salford RLFC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Swinton Rugby League Football Club has achieved notable success, securing six Championship titles and three Challenge Cup wins, surpassing the records of Salford RLFC.

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The demolition of the Swinton Industrial School in the 1930s was complicated by the disturbance of numerous rats due to the use of explosives.

Answer: True

Explanation: The demolition process for the Swinton Industrial School in the 1930s encountered challenges, including the disruption of a significant rat population caused by the application of explosives.

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Which famous footballer started his career at Deans F.C. in Swinton?

Answer: Ryan Giggs

Explanation: Ryan Giggs, a highly acclaimed footballer, commenced his professional journey at Deans F.C., a junior club based in Swinton.

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What historical event involving Charles Dickens is mentioned in relation to Swinton?

Answer: He visited the Swinton Industrial School during its demolition.

Explanation: The historical accounts mention Charles Dickens' visit to the Swinton Industrial School, specifically during the period of its demolition.

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What was the reason for James King's dismissal from St. Peter's CE Primary School in 2016?

Answer: Theft of school property to fund a gambling habit

Explanation: James King was dismissed from St. Peter's CE Primary School in 2016 due to the theft of school property, which he then pawned to finance a gambling habit.

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Which award did St. Peter's CE Primary School receive in the spring of 2006?

Answer: Healthy Schools Award

Explanation: In the spring of 2006, St. Peter's CE Primary School was awarded the Healthy Schools Award.

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Besides Moorside High School and St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, what other secondary school is located in Swinton?

Answer: Co-op Academy Swinton

Explanation: In addition to Moorside High School and St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, Co-op Academy Swinton is also situated within Swinton.

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Who is Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and what is his connection to Swinton?

Answer: A composer who grew up in Swinton and composed 'Swinton Jig'.

Explanation: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was a distinguished composer and former Master of the Queen's Music, who grew up in Swinton and composed the orchestral work 'Swinton Jig' inspired by his childhood there.

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What historical demonstration did Swinton weavers participate in during 1817?

Answer: The Blanketeers' demonstration

Explanation: In 1817, Swinton weavers were participants in the Blanketeers' demonstration, a significant event during a period of social unrest.

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What was the primary purpose of the Swinton Industrial School established in 1843?

Answer: To provide education and care for children.

Explanation: The Swinton Industrial School, established in 1843, was primarily intended to provide education and care for children, reflecting evolving attitudes towards child welfare.

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Which composer, born in Swinton in 1943, began his musical career in the town?

Answer: Roger Smalley

Explanation: Roger Smalley, a composer and pianist, was born in Swinton in 1943 and commenced his musical career in his hometown.

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What challenge did Swinton RLFC face in the early 2000s regarding its home grounds?

Answer: They were forced to move multiple times due to financial instability.

Explanation: In the early 2000s, Swinton RLFC experienced financial instability and mismanagement, which necessitated multiple changes of their home grounds.

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What historical event involved Swinton weavers in 1842?

Answer: Participation in Chartist agitations, including attempts to destroy a colliery

Explanation: In 1842, Swinton weavers were involved in Chartist agitations, which included an attempt to destroy a local colliery.

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