Broughton, Lancashire

History

The manor of Broughton was originally part of the land owned by Earl Tostig and was later held by Uhtred the Saxon thegn whose family took the name Singleton. In the time of King John the manor was seized by Theobald Walter, but was restored to William Singleton by Henry III in 1261. It 1325 it was the home of Gilbert de Singleton. In the 16th century it was sold to the Langtons. The estate was gained, through marriage, by the Rawstornes in 1735. In the 1970s tithes were still being paid by the owner of Broughton Manor Farm to the church.

About 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Preston there was a "strong tower", built of stone and surrounded by a moat fed by Sharoe Brook. It was taken down in 1800 and Broughton Tower Farm was erected on the site. During the 1930s, when water works were being carried out, the moat was filled in. At this time the owner of the farm, a Mr Rogerson, reported seeing several large foundation stones and oak posts, for the tower, still in good condition.

Schools

There are three schools in Broughton: Broughton Pre-School was founded in 1968 and caters for children aged 2–8. Broughton Church of England Primary School is voluntary-aided and next to St John's Church. It was founded in 1590 and is the oldest primary school in the UK. The Church Cottage museum can be found in its grounds. Broughton High School caters for children aged 11–16 and is situated on Woodplumpton Lane.

Broughton and District Club

Situated on Whittingham Lane, the club has on-site, flood-lit facilities for tennis and bowls. The stage in the main hall is used by for performances by the Broughton Players. The club hall also hosts parish council meetings.

Sport

There is evidence that the village has been home to a football club since the early 1900s. However the current club, Broughton Amateurs AFC, was formed in 1947 and they now play in the Mid-Lancashire Football League. During their 'glory years' of the late 1970s through the 1980s they were managed by ex-Preston North End & Birmingham City striker Eddy Brown. For more information view the Club's own website [1].

Religion

The parish Church of St John Baptist is the centre of a large and busy Anglican community, with two satellite worship centres and a parish hall in Fulwood. The current vicar is Rev. Shaun Baldwin.

The church tower, which dates from 1533, is the oldest working building in Preston and is currently undergoing restoration. The nave was replaced in 1826, while the chancel was added in 1906. There is evidence of a church having been on the site in the twelfth century, and the font is thought to be Saxon.

The church choir of approximately 30 men and 30 boys is directed by John Catterall MBE. They sing at two Sunday services and on other occasions, except when on their annual tours to France and the Isle of Man.

The civil parish also contains the Roman Catholic St Mary's Church, Fernyhalgh.

Notable people

Telephone exchange

Broughton telephone exchange was the UK's first Crossbar exchange. The current exchange building, which was extended at the front in the 1980s, was built for a field trial of Plessey's new 5005A crossbar exchange in 1964 replacing Broughton's manual exchange. The village was chosen due to its relative proximity to the Plessey factory and research centre at Edge Lane Liverpool.

Unique claims

Broughton has several unique claims. The Broughton C of E primary school is the oldest in the country, being built in 1590 and it is the only parish in the UK to have a fire, police and ambulance headquarters within its own boundaries.