cafe
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
12 km · about 20 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Royton works well as a base: 10 minutes from Lees, 22km from Snake Pass.
Royton is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 22,848, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Royton sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Royton to your route.
Royton is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, with a population of 21,284 in 2011. Close to the source of the River Irk, near undulating land at the foothills of the South Pennines, it is 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Oldham, 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Rochdale and 8 milesRead more
(12.9 km) northeast of Manchester.
Within the boundaries of the historic county of Lancashire, Royton and its surroundings have provided evidence of ancient British, Roman and Viking activity in the area. During the Middle Ages, Royton formed a small township centred on Royton Hall, a manor house owned by a long succession of dignitaries which included the Byrons and Radcliffes. A settlement expanded outwards from the hall which, by as late as 1780, "contained only a few straggling and mean-built cottages". Farming was the main industry of this rural area, with locals supplementing their incomes by hand-loom woollen weaving in the domestic system.
Royton has the distinction of being the first town where a powered cotton mill was built; at Thorp in 1764, and is one of the first localities in the world to have adopted the factory system. The introduction of textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution facilitated a process of unplanned urbanisation in the area, and by the mid-19th century Royton had emerged as a mill town. At its zenith, there were 40 cotton mills—some of the largest in the United Kingdom—employing 80% of the local population. Imports of foreign cotton goods began the decline in Royton's textile industry during the mid-20th century, and its last mill closed in 2002.
Today, fewer than a dozen mills are still standing, the majority of which are used for light engineering or as distribution centres. Despite an economic depression brought about by the demise of cotton spinning, Royton's population has continued to grow as a result of intensive housing redevelopment which has modernised its former Edwardian districts.
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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Royton.
Royton offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Royton is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 53.5651 latitude, -2.1227 longitude.
Royton has a population of approximately 22,848 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
12 km · about 20 min drive
mountain pass
A 524 m Pennine pass on the A6024 topped by a landmark transmitter mast, a celebrated cycling climb used in the 2014 Tour de France.
18 km · about 20 min drive
mountain pass
The A628 trans-Pennine route over bleak moorland past the Woodhead reservoirs, frequently closed by snow and high winds.
20 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
A twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
22 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
The Woodhead-era Telford road over the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower reservoirs, with fast curves and frequent winter closures.
22 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The highest point on the A57 crossing the Pennines, with moorland views stretching across the Dark Peak landscape.
23 km · about 25 min drive
waterfall
The Peak's highest waterfall at 30m, famously blown back up the cliff as spray in a westerly wind.
24 km · about 30 min drive
film location
The lake at Lyme Park is where Colin Firth's Mr Darcy emerges from the water in the BBC serial.
26 km · about 30 min drive
9 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
April to October
Other places to explore near Royton.
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