From www.genuki.org.uk: "Kersley township, situated four miles and a half S.S.E. of Bolton, is dependent upon extensive bleaching works, and the spinning and mannufacturing (of) cotton, for the prosperity it enjoys." In 1821, the population of Kersley was 1,833.

From www.bolton.org.uk: "Kearsley (Kersley), Ringley, Prestolee and Stoneclough lie in the Irwell valley, the river providing the basis for early settlement and industrialization. Early industry stated with handloom weaving, but coal brought papermaking, and the Bolton to Salford railway opened in 1838 to carry coal, likewise the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal during the 1790's, serving coal mines from the Clifton, Agecroft, Kearsley and Pendleton mines." Kersley was in the parish of Deane in 1835.