Military Barracks in Bolton Le Moors

[David R McKay]

Military Barracks in Bolton Le Moors

On the 1841 Census in Lancashire there is a listing of a barracks in Bolton Le Moors, Hundred of Salford, housing a group of Scots. and a few Irish quartered there. Among the names is a Robert McKay and several others that could have family connections. I have no idea who or why these Scots were there.

I have written to the Bolton Historical Center, but not much information was provided by them and a Jim Robinson referred me to the Fulwood Barracks in Preston. Robert Stephenson McKay was my great grandfather's name. He was in Manchester at that time, and the age listed is within two years of his. I sill have no information as to the significance of this group, except that this may have been a force to quiet the disturbances going on in Manchester at the time.

Does anyone have a clue as to the purpose of these barracks, and why this group may have been there? Any information would be helpful and appreciated.
David Reid McKay

[christanel]

On Lancashire OPC there is this marriage in 1839 which gives an indication that there was a barracks in Bolton. The G.B. probably means Greater Bolton as I see by looking at the schedule page of the census it says Great Bolton.
I know they are not your people but give a possible regiment.

Marriage: 6 Nov 1839 St Peter, Bolton, Lancashire, England
James Fisher - of full age, bachelor, Soldier 96th Regt. Foot, of Barracks, G.B.
Mary Robson of full age and a spinster of Newport Street
Father of the groom Thomas Fisher, also a soldier
Father of the bride Thomas Robson a Groom
Witnesses were Edward Bishop and James Liptrot
They were married by Banns by Curate P.R. Robin
Register of Marriages 1839 - 1841,
Source is a microfilm of the register which is at the Manchester Library

Added: An article Here about the regiment.

[David R McKay]

Thank you for the most interesting post on the barracks at Bolton Le Moors. While I did not find the name of the groom on my list I did note that the 95th of foot had something to do with transporting convicts to Australia. There is a legend in my family that said my great grandfather, Robert, had a brother who went as a convict. I have found evidence that one Archibald McKay was transported to Tasmania about the time the 95th escorted convicts to NSW. He may have been part of that group.
Thank you again,
David McKay

[christanel]

Also on Lancashire OPC Here a mention of the 78th Highlanders with Robert Brown Colour Sergeant - Enumerator.

So another regiment in the area.

[Peter Goodey]

From "Annals of Bolton" (see Internet Archive)

"1845 - Bolton ceased to be a garrison town about May or June of this year, when the 56th regiment was transferred from Bolton Barracks to Bury"