Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Middleton within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Middleton.-- market town, par., and township, SE. Lancashire, 3½ miles W. of Oldham and 6 miles N. of Manchester by rail - par., 12,101 ac., pop. 25,213; township, 1930 ac., pop. 10,346; town (comprising, besides Middleton township, the townships of Alkrington and Tonge in Prestwich par.), 4585 ac., pop. 18,953; 2 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Friday. Only 20 houses were here in 1770, and the progress of the town may be dated from 1791 when it received a charter for a weekly market. The town is situated in a fine valley of the Irk. It is now a place with considerable mfrs., the chief trades being silk weaving, cotton spinning, and calico printing. Minor employments are soap-making, machine-making, ironfounding, and the mfr. of chemicals.