Pupils from Bishop Bridgeman CE Primary School in Great Lever to exhibit The Bolton-Bridgeman Connection

The name Bridgeman will be familiar to most living in Bolton — as in Bridgeman Street, Bridgeman Place — but few will know about the history behind the name.

Now that is about to change as youngsters from Bishop Bridgeman CE Primary School tell the story of the family which helped shape the town as it is today.

Year Six pupils from the school in Great Lever have teamed up with Bolton Documentary Photography to exhibit The Bolton-Bridgeman Connection, illustrating the impact the powerful family had on the town, in Bolton Parish Church.

It will then be taken to Weston Park Gallery in Shropshire, which is also connected to the Bridgeman family.

The talented youngsters tell the story of a witch trial which Bishop of Chester John Bridgeman presided over.

The exhibition was sparked by the curator of Weston Park Gallery visiting an exhibition by Bolton Documentary Society at the University of Bolton on the industrial revolution.

Following his visit he mooted the idea of an exhibition to explore the connection of Bolton with the Earls of Bradford, the Bridgeman family.

For around 350 years the Bridgeman family — later ennobled as the Earls of Bradford — were one of the lords of the manor in the Bolton area, owning land in Great Lever, Farnworth, The Haulgh and Bolton town centre.

They ran coal mines, controlled development and were important figures in civic life.

Their influence in the town ran from 1629 until the 1980s, when most of their estates were sold off,

Over that time, however, they had a significant say in the way the town developed.

The family still has links with the town, holding the freehold at Bolton Train Station for example.

Ray Jefferson, chairman of Bolton Documentary Photography, said: “For 25 years we have been documenting life in Bolton in exhibitions, from the library services to the industrial revolution which was called Mills, Mines, Machines.

“The artwork produced by children is really lovely, I am really pleased with it.

“Their artwork will have a big impact on the exhibition.

“It was important for them to be part of the exhibition and the artwork in school has been incredible.

“When I went into school to speak to children I dressed in 17th century costume and the children were very interested.”

The exhibition is in two parts, with Bolton Documentary Photography relating the history of the Earls of Bradford, their involvement with Bolton in the 17th century and their influence on the town they ‘partly owned for close 350 years’.

In the second part of the exhibition, children tell the story of the witch trials, sparked by a young boy who made up a story which resulted in 18 local women being imprisoned. Thanks to Bishop of Chester John Bridgeman and later William Harvey, who was to go on to explain the blood circulatory system, they were cleared of witchcraft.

Year Six teaching assistant Brenda Smythe said: “The children have done really well, they visited Weston Park so know a lot about the Bridgeman family.

“This part of the story appeals to children because they like anything to do with witches and wizards and it was really enjoyable for them to do something like this after their SATs.

“I was one of the first pupils at this school when it opened in 1972 and I have found out more about the history now.

“The children worked in teams and they have been amazing, showing empathy and asking questions.”

Children are excited about having their work shown professionally — and to know the person their school is named after is a hero.

For Illsa Hussain, aged 11, having artwork she has contributed to appear in an exhibition is a dream come true.

She said: “I am always drawing, and never thought I would see an exhibition we have worked on in a professional gallery at this age. I was ecstatic when I heard our school would be taking part in this project.

“I feel so proud and every picture tells a story.”

Fateema Patel, aged 11, added: “I think the project has been really interesting and to know that Bishop Bridgeman helped 18 woman. He was a very clever man to know then that witches do not exist.

“It was really good to take part in something like this after our SATs exams.”

Bilal Hussain, aged 10, said: “Through this art project we learned about the history of the school and how the person the school is named after helped innocent people.”

He added: “We learned different art techniques.”

Cllr John Walsh, church warden and vice-chairman of governors at Bishop Bridgeman, said: “I do not think we proclaim the history of Bolton as we should do and more people will be educated about the family, which is to be welcomed.”

The exhibition runs until June 28, The official opening is on Thursday by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Roger Hayes, when children will give a short performance.

Mr Jefferson will give a free lecture about the exhibition this evening at 7.30pm in Bolton Parish Church.

The exhibition in the Weston Park Gallery will be officially opened by the current Earl of Bradford in September.