I Can't Sugar Coat This, Bolton Town Centre Made me Sad

I went to Bolton Town Centre.
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Welcome to my Channel,
My name is James and I live full time in my tiny van, however this is not just a van life channel. I enjoy travel, food and drink and making videos 🙂
When I turned 50 I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and working long hours just to pay rent and bills, life was passing me by and I needed a drastic change.
FAQ
Where is Helen?
Helen has a responsible full time job and two children so unfortunately she can’t join me on every trip. I really wish she could.
What equipment do you use?
My vlogging camera is a GoPro Hero 9 but I also use my pixel 6a phone and Lumix G80 camera for other footage
For editing, I used Premiere Pro on an old laptop but I’m saving to buy a more powerful computer.
Do you have children?
Yes I have a 6yr old daughter who lives with her mum but I see her quite a lot. I don’t usually put her on the vlogs and if I do, I block out her face for privacy reasons. I also have a grown up son.
How do you fund your lifestyle?
I don’t need as much to live these days since going full time van life but I receive a small percentage of income from the ads that KZbin put on the videos.
Why the sponsored videos?
I only accept sponsorship from companies I use and trust, this is my fulltime job and my income, it’s how I support my family. (I have Patreon if you prefer videos with no ads).
How do I contact you?
Please contact me here: [e-mail]

[@joannehill606]

My husband used to work with Fred and went all over the country taking his steam engine to shows. Your vlog bought a tear to his eye. X

[@bythecurb]

Wow, he must have some stories 🙂

[@Tony-vf9zu]

Bolton city centre, not town centre And it looks fine

[@lukeslife6471]

Rip Fred Dibnah. Still creating joy even after his passing.

[@guyarrowsmith5077]

Well done James!! A truly honest, down to earth, and accurate portrayal of Bolton today!! From birth in 1961, until leaving the area for the Lake District in 1983. I lived around the Bolton area. St Helens Road, Horwich, and Farnworth. I studied at Bolton technical college. Worked for Rumbelows, on Manchester road. Met my wife, currently of 38 years at Maxwells Plum nightclub in Bolton! And to be honest, apart from Walsh’s pasty shop, the whole town is a tragic shell of its former self! Am I ashamed to tell people I am from Bolton? NO! Definitely Not! Would I return to my roots? Sadly no. R.I.P Fred❤ keep doing all what you do so naturally well James and Helen!!!! Cheers Xx

[@53Indian]

Well said, echos my own feelings and brought back some memories - I was more of a Scamps guy myself!

[@guyarrowsmith5077]

@@53Indian Scamps was my wife’s favourite haunt, from 78-81! But fortunately for me, not exclusively!!

[@christianschofield577]

I live in Bolton, and I too feel sad when I go into the town centre. It used to be so vibrant, but places like Middlebrook and the Trafford Centre have taken people away. I'm sure this is happening all over. What you need to do if you're ever back over in this neck of the woods is to take Helen up Rivington. Some great walks and views up there and you could always end up in the Rivington Brewery for a pint or three. Fantastic place, right up your street!

[@gavinparry5426]

Nice tribute to a true Legend James. Shame to see no flowers on his grave. Fred a true one off character.

[@Zephyrines]

Very interesting video James, I think many of us live in or have a town nearby that has had the heart ripped out of it by retail chains and poor planning decisions. That high street could have been anywhere ... north, south, east or west it's just copy and paste or the same poor planning. Having said all that it was lovely to see the Fred Dibnah legacy and the original architecture of Bolton. All the best, David

[@bythecurb]

Thank you David

[@rommelsaint8869]

I live in St Helens not far from Bolton (hr in car) and how you described Bolton is just like St Helens........Pound shops, Coffee shops, Charity shops and all the big names buggered off. High streets will be gone in 10yrs. The internet has killed them.

[@stephenregent6921]

A once vibrant town that we we're all proud of ,,its such a shame how things have developed over the years and this once great town has gone downhill

[@helenshort2000]

We live in Bolton , came to live here in 1979 , then many shops and so busy , but now we feel so depressed every time we go into town it is horrible. So what you said about Bolton is so true .

[@henrymichaelwilson8107]

It's not local people. It's what's moved in. Think about it. Look around.

[@RexxyJake]

Look at it now

[@AshJJones]

Hence why the riots now. All part of the plan ofc.

[@AshJJones]

​@RexxyJake we are fed up. I grew up amongst these men.. they're disgusting. They prey on young girls and I don't care how racist that makes me sound. It's way past time to stand up.

[@RobertBrown-i4r]

My grand parents were born and raised in Bolton and worked in the mills --- they emigrated to Fallriver ,Mass, in1926 -- so thankyou for your honest portrayal of Bolton as it is now

[@neilmorley7022]

I would like to give you 2 a massive thanks for yours vids, at the moment im flighting cancer, i watch your vids over & over again plz keep them coming they always put a huge smile on my face 😊😊😊😊

[@bythecurb]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Sending you lots of love ❤️

[@Ripquorthorn]

Wish you the best, fight the fight

[@samandjennysambrook]

Thanks for the walkabout James,The precincts and high streets are the same everywhere these days...The meat market took us back to the castle market in Sheffield, all gone now, demolished and moved down the moor, but it's not a patch on the original place... Thanks for posting James, brilliant as usual mate.✅👍💞

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I loved the castle market

[@neeveshannon5062]

I went to college in Bolton in the late sixties and it was a wonderful vibrant town. 😮We used to regularly go to the octagon theatre. What a great town in those days.

[@tracybush8115]

This style of reporting (historical buildings in the town & Fred's house, cemetery) suits you best. This was really fascinating. It is a very sad state to see beautiful historical buildings looking so poorly maintained. Too many business owners today take no pride in their storefronts but the market was very nice - lovely to see these still exist. Thank you for the video because it was truly interesting although sad.

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, much more to come

[@graemepatterson]

So many places going to shite lately. I was out at a local seaside town today and there are tonnes of empty shops and small businesses that used to do well but clearly struggle now because there's nobody about.

[@MarkyMark1668]

Love Fred Dibnah, used to watch his programmes in fascination and respect for the Steeplejack work and his friendly knowledgable views. An engineer at heart I think. All around Top Man from a rare breed of yesteryear, respect, community and a lost way of life of honourability amongst our modern world. RIP

[@denzil040709]

Nicely done, James. Fred was truly the epitome of a different time where honour, truth and looking after people was the norm. What would he have made of how we live now? I'm sure Helen would have found many headstones, plaques and historic information for you.😄❤

[@bythecurb]

Haha absolutely

[@SheilaSmedley]

It's even more sad when you grew up in Bolton and remember there was a lot more to the fish market and outdoor stalls there you could get almost anything and people used to come in coach loads from like Oldham and many Lancashire towns to visit Bolton market you couldn't walk threw Iike you just did James u had to squeeze your way threw no matter what time of day it was packed I think helen would have loved the cockles muscles crab sticks ? And a pint of Guinness all under one roof just round corner from we're pecky blinders happy valley and coronation st were filmed recently Netflix always filming in Bolton as sad and depressing as Bolton really has gone to live here and see it for urself how everything has changed for thr worse is really really sad rip bolton town center and most of the roads leading out off it thanks james for the vlog

[@andrewrobinson987]

Living 30 mins away from Bolton, we used to go regular on a Saturday morning. We haven’t been for over 5 years as we concluded it was exactly like you describe…..DEPRESSING!!!! Cheers Andy

[@pathfinder303]

Born and bred in Bolton, left for Skipton 24 years ago and a new life building canal boats and then camper vans.

[@pathfinder303]

@@NormanCollier-nf7nu Hope not !

[@TheSkunkfiend]

Now that sounds excellent. Hopefully now you've done good you can enthusiastically get a mini me prodigy to set up you retirement and pass on the knowledge in a booming trade. I am thinking about moving to villages on edges of bolton for my last 20 years graft and look after parents. Get a half price of detached bungalow cost of where I'm at now. My mum garden just has view of barrow Bridge chimney. Aunty's on junction road by reserviour. Nan lived on Wellington Road just by jumbles. auntie Janice and Phill Harwood. But Belmont, ladybridge and Blackrod Blackrod is where its at 😅. I just got to sell all my shit and move lol

[@pathfinder303]

@@TheSkunkfiend My son who was born in Bolton worked with me then went on holiday to New Zealand and stayed , married and now has a daughter. Still as his Bowten accent though.

[@gelgoborn1378]

corrupted council have run it into the ground. a series on northern industrial towns is a fantastic idea. You want to try Wigan there`s a pub called John bull chop house go in there for a pint but take Helen she would love it

[@uk-martin4905]

Corruption in central government and corruption in local government are responsible. It will soon be exposed. I used to visit Bolton regularly when I lived in Blackpool but haven't been back since Covid when trains weren't running. Have since heard gloomy reports about the town and your video confirms my fears. I won't be returning although I live quite close in Manchester. It is tragic to see what has become of the town.

[@billgreen8966]

James, my wife and I were in the UK last October (we live in Perth, Australia) and we were shocked at the number and placement of Vape shops seemingly everywhere. Vaping is clearly out of control in the UK, and is largely targeting kids with flavours designed to look like sweets. But there is hope, after establishing that most disposable vapes sold in Oz are aimed at children and contain nicotine (against the existing laws), by next year all vapes will be banned in Oz unless they are supported by a doctors prescription. Good I say, the greedy vape retailers have brought this on themselves.

[@vallanceellis7569]

Sames happening in Wigan just down the road.I feel sick at times.

[@gingerali]

People of Bolton used to be the friendliest however, the population since the mid nineties has been replaced by foreign nationals who refuse to integrate . I echo all your sentiments as to how sad it is that all the northern towns are deliberately and systematically being destroyed in the name of progress .

[@amandawoodland3779]

It's not just the north it's everywhere, here in Berkshire is awful. You may like the wondering turnip on u t.

[@gingerali]

@@amandawoodland3779 thanks , I’ll look him/ her up.

[@robertpewsey8931]

Definitely not just "The North" although I always think of this area as the Midlands. The whole country is being ruined since Blair.

[@TheSkunkfiend]

Most of my family live in Bolton. It's a bit grim. Not noticed less friendly than anywhere else. In winter depressing. Town as nice old buildings. It needs something to invest in to for future generations of people. A lot of people moved out of town centre areas, to go to new build houses estates or Horwich. Unless people like industrial revolution or football, there isnt much point visiting. Pasty and bakery's decent. Hahahha.

[@Thunderdomebx]

Karma for colonialism and it's horrors.

[@simonwelford6202]

No real men like Fred anymore, same as you James every now and again I watch Fred , what a grafter he was , huge respect for him From a fellow Barnsley lad keep it going you two 👍

[@bythecurb]

Thanks mate, I love watching Fred on KZbin

[@siouxsiesiouxwilson7247]

Grew up in Darton nr Barnsley SYorks

[@simonwelford6202]

@@siouxsiesiouxwilson7247 I went to Darton high myself🤣👍

[@blackbob3358]

Think you we're all doomed, mr Welford ? Lighten up will ya. Are you just joining in with the presumed concensus ?

[@nigelwatson2750]

They were only able to destroy the town once they changed the people; not just the demographics, but also what's inside people's heads; their mindset and values. People have allowed themselves to become too dependent on mummy government and have stopped thinking for themselves.

[@nicnak4475]

"Did ya like that" ? What a legend Fred was ! There will be even more boarded up shops, once they get their congestion charge in place !

[@stevev238]

It was us residents in Bokton and Bury who primarily voted that down the first time... So now they bypass democracy like the evil Khan in London. Left in 2017 for work in China. Now living happily in Thailand, but sad to see how everything is being rub down back home.

[@steve-r-collier]

yeah fred dibnah what a legend..respect. I broke down in oldham once in my van and the locals did me a bacon sandwich and brought me drinks..the friendliest ive known

[@JohnnyBoyPryers]

absolutely spot on. Mate Bolton was brilliant before the millennium. was a brilliant place thriving night life, packed shops. was brilliant. is it an absolute hell hole now it us upsetting now

[@paulross2914]

I remember watching the original Fred Dibnah series with my Dad years ago, we always loved his programs. My Dad even took on Fred's saying when a chimney came down "Did yer like that" Thanks for bringing back good memories James

[@bythecurb]

You're welcome 😊

[@karlos55555]

I felt the same last week after a little shopping trip with the missus to Bangor whilst on holiday to Caernarfon it was sorrowful with the majority of the shops and boozers gone, we had such fond memories of visiting Bangor but now they're all but forgotten. Online shopping, cost of living, sky high rents and cutthroat capitalism are killing our town centres and the local councils more interested in vanity projects than actually doing something worthwhile with the budgets. It's grim up North and unless you're in a big City or town where tourism feeds growth forget it, just stay in and shut your curtains.

[@julieryan1616]

Totally agree with your comment,,,we also went to Bangor whilst on holiday what a shock not very good 😢

[@karlos55555]

@@julieryan1616 yeah, a real shame.

[@Tony-tourette]

It’s funny how the world is a small place I used to know a man who was in the next hospital bed to Fred and even then he refused to take off his hat , he did survive prostate cancer unfortunately Fred didn’t 😢 legend tho 😊

[@andrewmay6218]

Im down here in mouldy Cornwall and all our towns are dying thanks to the extortionate rates and badly run councils.we deserve better.

[@MotorHManc]

Your right mate, I worked on the shops in Bolton, seriously broken town , backing the day the old pubs,nightlife ,market was booming and I'm only going back to 97,98. People used to get the train to Bolton for the shops and nightlife, such a shame its dying if not dead 😢

[@nigelwatson2750]

Another great video, Lad. Like me, you probably like Fred because he reminds you of how England used to be. The next thing to get your head around is that most of it has been done on purpose. Our government has been waging a war against the British people for a very long time. I'm from Rochdale, and the same nonsense has been happening there. The council put taxes up to finance big construction projects that benefit the developers, but the people of Rochdale. The taxes are so high that there are hardly any businesses left in the town, especially small independents. I did a video last year about the corruption & how and why Rochdale was destroyed by the council kzbin.info/www/bejne/enKxeZR5bLuojq8

[@fistfulofgamepad]

Used to drive by Fred’s house everyday on my way to work. Growing up we used to go to Bolton nearly every week to look round all the shops, it was buzzing and bustling, today it’s a shadow of what it was, it’s a dead town now.

[@SianRussell]

Hi James we're watching this in our campervan whilst sheltering from storm Isha in Hebden Bridge. We live in a market town 12 miles north of Cardiff which has been overlooked for years shame cos its got a beautiful park and a lot of history. It's the same story all over unfortunately 😢

[@bythecurb]

Hope you survivd the storm ok

[@huwcutts9620]

Labour councils spend money on vanity projects , diversity managers and changing the name of road signs not bothered about improving people’s lives

[@MareWithSomeBees]

I’m Farnworthian born and it’s definitely classed as Bolton. You were spot on about Bolton town centre though. It is really sad going back there now 😢 Back in the day it was bustling and a great place to visit. Many nights out have been had there 🍻but like a lot of northern towns mass immigration has changed it irrevocably and a lot of people left. I occasionally go only to visit Ye olde man & scyth for a drink as my late partner / father of my children and I had our first ever date in there. It’s apparently haunted. Although I’ve never seen any ghosts as yet👻 I think the town could be renamed ghost town as it would be appropriate now 😢Thanks for the Fred Dibnah bit too he is one of my heroes 😀👍

[@milels6917]

Met Fred when he came to Stafford Theatre Don’t come like him anymore What a man ! See all his programs on Tv Very interesting your choice of music is very poignant

[@johnround1697]

It's so sad to see these days the heart and soul gone out of the towns, its not just Northern towns its the Midlands as well . Communities divided and a lot of people will walk past someone in trouble or just film it rather than help. I try to focus on the good people in the world like you and Helen. Fred was just a hard working man like most were in his day who would help anyone in need and worked hard for a better life, say no more.

[@susanlothian8973]

Love all your videos...very interesting and informative...no to go decontaminate myself 😂...so funny x

[@hughphillips1427]

@@johnround1697 Not just the North or the Midlands, the south is no better. Although can go to such places as Guildford and then have shops closing too.

[@hughphillips1427]

Interesting video, thanks for making it. Yes I would agree it is depressing when you see towns like this. You say London is different but a lot of London is in poverty also.

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

Fred gave me a cheery wave and a thumbs up after being stuck behind his friends 1914 traction engine here in the Lakes. His mate was Dick Ransome (Swallow and the Amazon's author cousin) who lived in Torver and was another "steam head". For 20 years Dick was chief engineer on Coniston steam launch Gondola. Didn't think Bolton looked that bad on film to be honest but I wasn't there. Thinking about the "vape n sweets" it's pretty similar to having tobacconists shops of old selling sweets n cigs. 😊

[@perculiar_daughter]

The way you felt after that tour of Bolton is exactly the way it makes me feel on the odd occasion I visit the place. There is a palpable dourness and the energy of the place seems to stick with me for hours after leaving. One of my family members lives there, they are not exactly beacons of happiness, they never smile and have that "hard done to" demeanor to them, everything is wrong and nothings right type of attitude. They were not like that before they moved there. It has that affect on some people. I avoid it like the plague. I didnt know there was a massacre, that could possibly explain the awful energy that hangs over the place. Its becoming a disease of most northern towns sadly, but some are going down hill quicker than others. Great video 👍

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, I felt pretty down after the trip

[@ronniechambers2555]

To be fair James, Bolton probably not the best place to visit so soon after Tenerife and in the first couple of weeks of January. I reckon anywhere would've been a tough gig, but Bolton ?@@bythecurb

[@Simon-fr4ts]

Absolutely loved this video. I instantly knew that Fred Dibnah would be be the one as soon as you started talking! As a 52 year old Yorkshireman, I grew up watching Fred on TV and still love him as you do. It's so sad seeing town centres like they are today. I miss how things were back in the 70's and 80's when I was growing up, especially around Christmas. Town centres were full of all kinds of shops, busy, always open. I loved it when you bought a rum truffle! I have not had one for so many years and like you, I did not know that they were still sold. I loved them. I am going to see if I can find somewhere that sells them. Unfortunately 'diversity' has also ruined everything and our city centres are no longer safe and often feel like third world countries. I am lucky to live in Cornwall, so at the moment things are ok. It's only a matter of time though when we will end up like this. Who's been eating your steering wheel by the way! When you said you need to detox and visit a somewhere nice next, for some reason I thought Ripon and you said it. It really freaked me out.

[@robertgreen8666]

Total agree with you selling shapes in a sweet shop

[@kevindrinkell9729]

Bolton town centre has been so badly managed that a metrpolitan area of 295k people has even lost its town centre Marks and Spencers.The shops and even the football club have moved 6 miles west to a retail park.Hundreds of flats are currenlty being built in the town centre which i expect will be for low income families ie the plan for the town centre is to turn it into a council estate

[@philsmith9274]

😢 sad ol Britain...great work James and Helen loving the vids. Loved dibbers great character. I moved to Thailand 2 years ago seriously couldn't take London anymore...keep up the good work mate

[@bythecurb]

Thanks :-)

[@wendypearce8799]

Thanks for highlighting Bolton town Centre, I'm not from there but not a million miles away. You're so right some of the towns up north are really depressing. You should send this vlog to the politicians in Westminster to see it. They need to see ... Only the Fred statue made me smile👍

[@kizzull]

Send the vlog to politicians? Please wise up. Everything is going according to plan at the behest of NGOs.

[@janearothfeld]

Good work, James! Are you open to interviewing locals? If you ask the right questions, you might get some really interesting stories that your audience can connect with & would add dimension to the video and place, like Bolton. Maybe there was someone who knew Fred Dibnah personally? Cheers...

[@fredcooper6725]

As a Northern lad, James, I'm surprised you didn't recognise cow's tripe on the counter of the butchers' stalls in the market.

[@bythecurb]

I've never had it. Maybe we was a bit posh 😂

[@FissionChips]

Helen would have known for sure!

[@WilliamBrown-z1b]

As a 50 year old Boltonian who has lived here all my life I find your observations really interesting. You are absolutely correct - the town centre is a shell of its former self - decades of miss management by the council and modern lifestyles are to blame I think. I live on the outskirts and hardly ever venture into town, it's too depressing from what I remember as a lad. Great, honest, sad video.

[@NealePinkney-td2cn]

I totally agree James, so depressing, all that land for pedestrions and no one there, years ago like Hull was busy all day every day cars parked near shops ,the atmosphere of the people all doing there own thing, all gone because of idiots in charge, Internet impact also, but we need the transport back into them wich means people spending, thanks for highlighting the ghost 👻 towns and its depressing state, you right to feel what we see

[@ronniechambers2555]

To be fair, people are just as much to blame as those in charge ( remember who put them in charge ) by choosing to use cars instead of buses, buying online instead of in the High Street, drinking at home rather than going to the pub etc etc, Use it or lose it as they say, but people are often lazy and selfish and do what makes life easier for them as individuals.

[@NealePinkney-td2cn]

@@ronniechambers2555 it all ran ok before they messed with it now they have ghost towns ,with no atmosphere ,that's not an invite to go out, closed shops everywhere, pedestrianised areas with no one on them, since horse and carriage it worked, over priced beer in pubs with no atmosphere as people are depressed , people can't afford to die never mind live, open the streets and get the people back into the towns or keep looking at empty buildings till they rot,, cars and buses use to run through Hull, lots of people about everyday, no now ,Beverley town centre halved his car parking for a stupid sit out side cafe area to cold to sit in,stopping people again from bringing shoppers spending money, it's all wrong, do councils realise what they haven't achieved,

[@NealePinkney-td2cn]

James ,you hit the nail on the head ,you said you wouldn't return with Helen as the place was dead ,empty ,closed shops, basically no atmosphere, not welcoming at all , having to park long distance away just to explore a ghost town, shame we don't have before and after footage, pics ,, busses, trams horses carts , happy shopper with transport near the shops , maybe worth highlighting this when you travel again

[@tonyalgar4886]

Labour council needs to introduce a congestion charge, that way they can drive the remainder of the shops out of business, shopping area looks no busier than the cemetery !!!!!!!!

[@towerpower6867]

Great respect for Fred Dibnah. Yes the Councils don't give a crap mate. When do you see drains cleaned regularly? Don't people pay enough council tax? We are all being mugged off. The town of Bolton is how many will be including Barnsley. When you can buy online you're saving. On the positive note there will at least be more green spaces when these buildings go. Love to you, Helen and family from me n mum x

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, Hello to you and mum ❤

[@simonhulber6713]

Interviewed Fred in '96 or '97 at his home for a Land Rover magazine I worked for. One of the most down to earth, easy going people I ever met in 30 years of speaking with all kinds of interesting folk.

[@silverdash1]

Bolton was once a bustling town ,i started working in market hall ,blame bolton clowsil Bolton market was one of the best in north west could buy anything sadly its all gone Go to bury market Wednesday Friday Saturday buzzing chorley Tuesday all busy ,love the videos your helen is bonkers in a brilliant way 😁

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Very true assessment James. So many of these towns and cities are like this now! I’m midlands based so I’m speaking from what I find…. Some local authorities put nothing into the local areas and just tell people what they want to hear ….. Smithy

[@ali5on]

Love your intros. I was born in Bolton, my name is Alison...…I was named after one of Fred's steam engines!!!! I live in Cyprus now, have not been to Bolton for 25 years. Even Primark couldn't be bothered to put a display. Fish market still as good ever. But the rest? What country are we in? So sad.

[@bythecurb]

It's very sad

[@Helsbells20]

It makes me sad too I left Bolton 3 years ago and now live in a lovely village in Lancashire. I now shop at Lancaster which is packed with shoppers or Preston which is also busy. Bolton is so crime and drug ridden so not only is it soulless you see some very sad people. The council thought it would be a great idea to give everyone a small black bin so the back streets are littered with rubbish. It’s a dumping ground for the poor people so not surprised if people are in a position to leave they do. I have a relative in greater Manchester police and he said Bolton gets more call outs than any other district. Not only that I smile at everyone but some different ethnic people don’t smile back so either they don’t want to mix or they are sad too. Thanks I like your videos

[@KeithWebb-cl1ld]

Southampton is no different.The internet has killed the high street.

[@markwilson7788]

Perhaps the lesson is that a good video is not necessarily down to a good experience. It has value in that it tells the truth about a not so nice place. Plus we got to see Fred's statue and Phoenix Nights..... which was a bonus. Perhaps tell Helen her next birthday treat is climbing a chimney using Fred's method!

[@paulcooper1387]

I was born in Bolton, but moved to California when I was young--mind you, this was 50 years ago.. We used to go back to Bolton for holidays and the downtown was bustling with lovely pubs and great places to get a meal. The gem was the Market Hall--which was taken down and converted to that soul less place that you showed. I think you can trace the start of the decline to that decision to shut down the Market Hall. I went back a few years ago to show my daughters and was literally depressed at how bad it was. Even areas like Smithhills that used to be great places are now closed down. Very sad. what the leadership of Bolton did to that town......

[@nigelwatson2750]

Same thing happened to Rochdale kzbin.info/www/bejne/enKxeZR5bLuojq8

[@petermyerscough5211]

Sadly Bolton is one of the better ones in the area. Don’t ever go to Accrington, where I live. Bury just down the road from there, has a fantastic market and much better shops. I think you need to go to Hebden Bridge to detox.

[@itzjustmolly8509]

London is not a nice place to live, there’s towns like that all up and down the country not only the north all the shopping centres are dying.

[@martinhill6749]

Bolton born and bred you are completely right town centre is a disgrace and not even a safe place to go unless in a group of 5 or more not been in town for years now last time I went in I never heard a single Bolton or English person not even in the town hall I had to ask the person they sent to deal with my enquiry to go and get someone I could understand as he couldn't understand me and I couldn't understand him management said I was racist not true at all nothing wrong with and English man wanting to speak to someone who can talk English in a British town hall this town hasn't gone to the dogs they saw it and left themselves by the way market hall was never a industrial building it's all ways been a market the town hall completely ruined it trying to make it a Trafford center thanks to the Internet I have no need to go there anymore and won't 😢

[@keithsmith5639]

Don’t come to Stoke On Trent James . Bolton is posh compared to Stoke .

[@ChrisBanks-d9c]

Bank Top Brewery, used to make a pint called 'Fred Cap', Dibnah's ex-wife wanted paying for the use of his name and reference, instead they changed the pint to 'Flat Cap' and released another pint called 'Old Slapper' with a picture of a Blonde woman on it, Fred's ex-wife. They also made a pint called 'Gold Digger'.

[@tracyfun6918]

Watched him demolish the old power station towers when I lived in Eccles ,over Barton bridge when I was a kit.was like a day out with some of my sisters.also used to see him going to the steam fairs day out things at local fairs days out and talked to him a few times.he lover old vehicles and loved going to these places to talk about them and to show people.he was a really nice fella,took the time to chat bless him.fearless too.seen him lots ,I was only a kid as said, he was such a nice bloke,just normal not full of himself like many other famous people xx

[@tonyalgar4886]

Shopping area looks so quiet, makes you wonder how the shops pay their rent and rates ! Hardly any business.

[@garethriley44]

Bolton born and bred, Still live here and haven’t been to the town centre in over 4 years. It’s a dump. Total shit hole, the council have ripped the heart out of shopping by getting rid of M&S etc. none of us shop there, we use retail parks and Bury and Manchester. Bolton town centre is a no go area after dark. So sorry you experienced this. We are good people and it’s criminal we have to deal with the Councils mis management

[@DannyHarris-vc4ct]

You should get in touch with Wandering Turnip he's a Yorkshire Lad too and has a channel on here where he goes around towns and cities looking at closed down shops hotels and pubs on the high streets.

[@wendychandler8304]

I can't 'like' this - you missed the Crescent, superb art gallery/museum with artworks of national importance, and Bolton's famous theatre all in one area. It's a foreign place now, not the old-fashioned market town. It's sad to see our memories so neglected.

[@deltaman1804]

Thank goodness for Levelling up!! just imagine how bad it could have been. It is the same all across the North. thanks for the video next time take Helen she would improve anywhere.

[@thomasstanley5401]

I'm from Salford and think Bolton is the best place in Gtr Manchester for a Friday or Saturday night booze up.Manchester has lost its character since being taken over by skyscrapers full of southerners and foreigners.Watching your video Bolton is not so lively on a Thursday afternoon!

[@claireleamy3168]

Love the blend of your videos James. Really professionally produced. You have learnt so much since your early days. And you are so warm and personable, great company as you take us alongside you in your adventures. Love the fact you always do your research on a place. Keep them coming.😊

[@bythecurb]

Thank you Claire :-)

[@thenomad9853]

My first thoughts on seeing the footage entering Bolton town centre and the shopping mall - really were that it could be *any* town in the UK now. There are a few retained pieces of architecture that stand out but for the most part it's the same shops, colours, parking issues, premises closed down, like a ghost town - as you say, there is a "soulless" vibe to it. I can't remember the last time I went to a town center in the UK and didn't just feel like I wanted to get whatever I came in for as quickly as possible and just head home again. I remember days when we used to just go "into town" at the weekend for something to do with no particular intent - we would find entertainment for the day within the life and soul of the center itself. Nowadays they are as you see here - soulless, bland, victims of globalisation and the few people you see have the same thousand yard stare going on, there just isn't any "joy" in the buildings, the shops, the people ..... And a smattering of bookies and CEX and paint by numbers shops. It is sad. I'm not really sure how or if it even is possible to turn it around again.

[@aslandama]

Dunno what to say. Well I do, but I daren't!

[@lizscott6911]

You have definitely taken one for your followers.

[@robertgillingwater]

Great video as usual. Sadly I don't think Bolton is worse than any other northern and some southern shopping centres and they don't have a fantastic market like Botlon. BUT not the best place to visit just after just returning from the sunshine

[@andyallwood1495]

Try Chorley to see what a nice town centre should be like. Bolton on the other hand has been turned into a bargain bucket for redevelopers, building shoe boxes for who knows who to live in.

[@YouTube-User-1]

And Horwich is nice aswell.

[@andyallwood1495]

Agree.

[@cultfiction3865]

I know Bolton James. I’m originally from Barnsley but I’ve lived around a bit and use to live in Bury about 18 years ago which is a few miles from Bolton. So I use to like go into Bolton and I actually thought the place was quite nice strangely enough. The people were quite friendly although I was kicked out of a few pubs for been too stoned and drunk. Which was completely different from Rochdale which is a few miles from Bury the other way, cos everyone was stoned and drunk in the pubs there. If anything, in Rochdale they would kick you out for been sober.

[@bythecurb]

😂

[@53Indian]

Boltonistan! Left over 30 years ago when the 'white flight' began! 32 Mosques and counting - that's what happened, council pandering to the demographic - coming to a town near you soon...

[@nigelwatson2750]

Who let it happen? Too many Brits chose to live materialistic lives, and not settle down and have loads of kids. We let our culture be destroyed, because we were too embrassed to call it out as it was happening.

[@raymorey4709]

Hi James loved the holiday video,just watching Bolton video Fred's grave bringing back what a great show it was loved him he was a one of great one of Bolton .always lived in Kent before moving to Spain 8yrs ago keep the videos coming, have a great day James love to helen👍👍

[@fromthetoon1602]

Fred Dibnah was the last of the old breed, how he used to ladder them towers boggles my mind. I work on turbines and he would piss himself laughing at the climbing gear, courses to climb, health and safety and the production compared to the way they used to graft. I remember seeing a video on KZbin where he made his own pulley system to take bricks down and send an empty barrel back up 💥💥 RIP

[@bythecurb]

He was an amazing bloke

[@grandadknows]

I would love for you to do a Northern Town Series. Seeing their demise is very depressing but since Thatcher and her ‘agent provocateurs’ wrecked the mining communities, there just isn’t the money there. We’re loving your work and having been snowed in for the last three days (Aberdeenshire) we’ve had time to catch up with you guys. I firmly believe change is coming, we just have to make sure it’s for the majority NOT the Davos minority and our leadership kleptocrats? A lot to be depressed about James but we must keep going buddy. Take care. Give our best to Helen. ‘Sithee’

[@THE-THATCH]

That was well interesting James, obviously, the Fred Dibnah touch was great. But also Earl of Derby, Civil War info was really worth the watch. Your content, video quality, and sound are 10 out of 10. You have brought home the state of our town centres, so sad. More like this mate, brilliant 👍

[@ChaCha-lt8rx]

And we've all supposed to have moved forward in time for the better..I don't think so.The councils are a disgrace letting this happen in Towns,Cities UK up and down the country 😢

[@rodconnah4249]

I was born and bred in Bolton and I still tell people it's my hometown even though I migrated to Queensland back in the early 80s. I've been back to Bolton a few times since leaving, my first visit "home" was back in 1991 and there have been 4 other trips since ... each time I visited it broke my heart a little more when I repeatedly saw how much the town centre was falling apart. I'm 76 now but still remember the brilliant times we had in the 60's .. the town was full of energy and life .. my folks have both passed away now and I have little reason to visit anymore .. hopefully Bolton can find it's soul again at some point. Great video mate, I shall watch more of your work.

[@filmingdownsouthuk]

What a character Fred was!…I still enjoy watching his videos!…..I thought it was a great video James!

[@dawnoakley1776]

Hi james and Helen Nice to see you back on home turf Interesting video about Bolton. Ive never been there myself but not sure id like to after watching your vlogg, i too wouldnt like to go anywhere that puts me on a downer I must say though, this year we went on a caravan park in Yorkshire and we visited scarborough, whitby, Bridlington and a few other places and in all honesty i find myself disappointed on how run down the areas were, full of empty shops , charity shops were in abundance, dozens of chippys and falling down derelict buildings So much so we came home 3days early because we were so disappointed Im sure, like yourself james , people have some good memories of such places in the past but alot of these Towns now are crumbling and no atmosphere at all.

[@brianwalsh2419]

I think you have been a bit harsh on this one - nice architecture, thriving market, pasty looked great and pub you visited was a proper old school pub, not a Wetherspoons. The high streets were no different to any post inustrial UK town

[@bythecurb]

Yes I think I might have been

[@TheChodax]

Funny you watch Fred, I've been hooked on his videos for years. I used to watch his programs in the 1980s with my dad when I was just a kid and was always absolutely fascinated.

[@rachelshonahague5718]

Just a terrible shame Fred's amazing steam and engineering yard couldn't have been preserved intact.

[@carolcr4024]

James, you should have filmed around the iconic, wonderful Town Hall. It has featured in many a film and TV series. Stars like Sylvester Stallone and Hayley Mills on those steps. Such a shame 😢. Sad I agree about the rest of the town and I used to live a few miles away in Bury.

[@barthomer1000]

Fred Dibnah health and safety 😅 what's that.

[@BritBow1867]

As you was walking around Bolton I said to myself it’s just another Rotherham and as soon as I thought it you said it. North of England ms small towns have been forgotten. Depressing.

[@jjcd39]

Love the Fred bit one of my hero’s , did yah like that !! Brilliant keep up the good work,,

[@bythecurb]

Haha loved that 😊

[@jjcd39]

@@bythecurb a proper character, Fred

[@MichaelPitman-n6o]

Thank you, James for showing us Fred Denmore‘s grave. I also are a fan of all his videos watched him time after time. No health and safety there. You just carried on working hard he deserves the statue in Bolton. I can’t believe you’re walking round in ice and snow when a few few days ago, you were in shorts and T-shirts, and sliding down waterslides in Tenerife, great video

[@123prestolee]

My Dad passed last December, and I played Fred’s videos to him in ICU (he was Bolton through, and through). But the place is bloody awful these days.

[@darrenbolton3318]

Positives about this video. 1-The Town Hall and Le Mans Crescent is an impressive nod to Bolton’s Industrial prosperity. There were a number of philanthropists who took pride in where they made their money and produced some splendid buildings. 2- It wasn’t recorded 2 years ago. Since then, 2 streets full of derelict buildings have been demolished. If you would have done this 2 years ago, you would have been gobsmacked by how bad it looked.

[@darrenbolton3318]

Forgot to add how much I enjoyed the video. Just subscribed and am currently going through previous videos. A genuine Northerner lamenting a time when pride and a sense of community made northern towns proud and liveable despite the grinding poverty. Many areas of Bolton are now akin to third world shitholes.

[@carolcr4024]

Recommendations for future visits: LUDLOW, it's gorgeous.❤ MATLOCK BATH, the land locked town that thinks it's by the seaside.😊 MANCHESTER - another great Town Hall & Library. KESWICK Robin Hoods Bay/Staithes GLASGOW BATH NEWCASTLE Portmerrion Aberystwyth......

[@bythecurb]

Thank you, some great recommendations

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

Buy from local butchers, dont buy halal meat unless you believe in unethical treatment of animals

[@giorgipiorgi]

Halal needs banning

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

This is sadly true.I was a butcher for 15 years. I also served in the middle east and the similarities between their markets and ours are becoming strikingly more similar.

[@bythecurb]

I'll never knowingly eat Halal

[@giorgipiorgi]

@wallycustard1281 I make sure to get bacon sarnies if eating out 👌

[@thisbananaistop]

I'm from Bolton now live in Derby (7 years ago moved) and you hit the nail on the head. Some beautiful buildings im proud of. I actually miss the pasties fron Ye Olde Pasty Shop thats what i miss most. A good video 👍🏻