WE know that many of our readers are fascinated by family history and the social history of Bolton.

So when we come across a lovely old photograph in our files, we enjoy printing it for you to have a look at — who knows may be one of your ancestors will be on the picture.

Although we do not know when the photograph was taken it was obviously when much of Bolton had cobbled streets and transport was by horse and cart rather than car.

This shows Brown Street in Bolton town centre in its heyday when its well-kept building were used for business and as homes.

This was a time when families lived in Bolton town centre.

In the foreground you can see Manor Street.

We love the rather smart looking figures in this picture and the shop front of Joseph Taylor “druggist” with its shelves displaying the shop’s wares.

It seems Joseph Taylor also sold oils and paints.

We imagine Bolton town centre was a very busy and lively place to live and work when this picture was taken.