Geograph - photograph every grid square

The boundary between the ancient ecclesiastical parishes of Deane and Prestwich is shown on the map annexed to the Order in Council for the creation and assignment of a district to St Saviour, Ringley, dated 20th October 1898 (Gazetted on 25th October 1898). Part of the new district was taken from the area of the Parish of Farnworth and Kearsley (within the bounds of the ancient parish of Deane) and part (the majority) was taken from the parish of Prestwich directly. The map clearly shows the boundary as running within the Irwell, but distinctly close to the west bank - presumably following the course of the original boundary between Deane and Prestwich. The Parish of Deane was created on 24th November 1541 having been dissevered from the Parish of Eccles. The watercourses which marked the boundaries of these ancient parishes will have shifted considerably over their long lives, so what was the centre of the river in 1541 may well now be very different.