Bolton Literature Map
Learn about the Writing Bolton project
Explore our literature map for Bolton
Writing Bolton is a digital literature project run by Word Life in collaboration with the University of Bolton. It is a literature map of Bolton. Explore the different categories and markers to watch performances from local poets, find out about local organisations and explore literary references to Bolton locations.
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Writing Bolton is a literature map for Bolton. As well as a rich literary heritage, Bolton has an exciting contemporary culture of writing that deserves to be much more widely-known. We have a thriving department of English and Creative Writing at the University of Bolton, which regularly partners with Bolton Museum and Library Services to organise a monthly Live Literature series, bringing prize-winning authors from across the country to perform, free to all. There are a range of cultural venues, including the renowned Octagon Theatre, bringing a variety of stories to life on its stage; Le Mans Crescent, a grand setting at the heart of the town which has featured in several BBC dramas; and many clubs, pubs and cafés that host spoken word and open mic nights. Bolton Library was one of the first public libraries to be established, and is home to many archives, including those of the Mass Observation Project, founded in the 1930s, and the work of famous authors associated with the town, the American poet Walt Whitman and Irish playwright Bill Naughton among them. There will be a large amount of content here as the project grows; please email us if you think there is something we’re missing. We’re very grateful to the University of Bolton who have funded and supported this project.