Worsley: Canal History and Historic Places

Worsley tells the story of mining, canal traffic and the development of a place whose history is reflected in its historic buildings and landscapes. This offers several themes to explore as you plan your trip: traces of its industrial past, the architecture around Worsley Village and outdoor activities.

Gardens and woodland as destinations in their own right

RHS Garden Bridgewater covers 154 acres on the former site of Worsley New Hall in Salford. Worsley Woods comprises around 30 hectares of woodland. The woods have a play and adventure trail with an accessible boat swing, climbing frames, climbing nets, wobble boards and parallel bars. The activity trails are suitable for younger and older children. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Worsley’s history around Delph and the canal

Worsley Delph is the entrance to the underground canal in the Duke of Bridgewater’s mines. Coal was brought out through it and then transported to local towns along the Bridgewater Canal. Delph is one of three designated ancient monuments in Salford. The connection between mining and the waterway illustrates the role coal played in the history of local transport.

Worsley Village developed in the last quarter of the 18th century as a cluster of industrial buildings, cottages, shops, inns and other community buildings at Delph. In 1969, the former Lancashire County Council designated the village a “conservation area”. Historic buildings, canal basins, public open spaces and a landscape with mature trees all contribute to its character.

Worsley Green is a public open space. It is bordered by Worsley Road, rows of 18th-century cottages and 19th-century houses. The houses have black-and-white facades in the regional vernacular style; visually, the open space is separate from the canal. This combination of streetscape, homes and green space offers a different perspective on the area’s history from the industrial site at Delph.

Historic buildings and their stories

The Church of St Mark was built between 1844 and 1846 by Sir George Gilbert Scott for Lord Francis Egerton, the 1st Earl of Ellesmere. A north aisle was added in 1851. Worsley Court House was built in 1849 for the 1st Earl of Ellesmere and is a Grade II listed building. Today, it is used as a public event venue. Its timber-frame construction and slate roof are among its described architectural features.

Worsley Old Hall is also Grade II listed. The engineer James Brindley lived there for a time while working for the Duke of Bridgewater from 1742 to 1759. During this period, he designed and built the Bridgewater Canal and the Barton Aqueduct. Worsley Old Hall is also a country house pub serving Sunday roasts and classic pub dishes with a modern interpretation; the menu may change.

The Bothy combines a functional building history with distinctive design: Edward Blore designed it in the early 1840s as a boiler house and gardener’s residence, built of light-coloured Hollington stone and red brick. Its chimney was designed to look like a lighthouse or signal tower. The Bothy is also a Grade II listed building.

Getting around on foot and planning your journey

The Bridgewater Way towpath at Worsley includes the Packet Boat Steps, which formerly served as stops for canal boats. The Bridgewater Canal was first built in 1761. A self-guided, one-mile walk explores Worsley’s history as a centre of transport development and features, among other things, the clock that strikes 13, underground canals and steamships. Route materials may be updated, so check the latest information before setting out.

Bus routes 26 and 33 run from Manchester city centre to Worsley Village. As timetables and frequencies may vary, it is worth checking the latest services before travelling. RHS Greenway is a project to improve walking and cycling connections to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley, as well as to Walkden train station, Parr Fold Park and Boothstown Marina. When planning your journey, it is helpful to distinguish this project from the routes and historic places described here.

Discover more destinations: Middleton, Rochdale, Altrincham, Timperley, Pemberton, Heald Green, Astley, Audenshaw.

For the wider travel guide: Greater Manchester.