TONGE, a township, joint with Haulgh, in the
parish of BOLTON, hundred of SALFORD, county palatine
of LANCASTER, 1 mile (E. N. E.) from Great Bolton,
containing 1678 inhabitants, who are chiefly employed
in the manufacture of cotton and counterpanes,
and in the extensive bleaching grounds, spinning-mills,
and paper-mills, established here. The ingenious Crompton
resided at the ancient seat of the Starkie family,
Hull-i'-th'-Wood, where he completed his invention of
the spinning-mill, which he sold for not more than.
£100. He, however, received a grant from parliament
of £5000, and a subscription was opened, by the cotton
spinners and others of Bolton and Manchester, for the
purchase of. an annuity, which he enjoyed during the
remainder of his life. The commissioners of enclosure
have awarded land, now let for £5 a year, towards the
foundation of a school. A limited number of boys of
this place are annually appointed to the High Style
school, founded by Henry Mather, at Kearsley.