Upholland

Coordinates: 53°32′28″N 2°43′41″W / 53.541°N 2.728°W / 53.541; -2.728

Upholland is a civil parish and village in West Lancashire, England, approximately 3 miles east of Skelmersdale and 4 miles west of Wigan. The population of the civil parish at the 2011 census was 7,376.

Geography

The village is on a small hill 89m above sea level that rises above the West Lancashire Coastal Plain. There are views towards St Helens and Liverpool in the south west, Ormskirk and Southport in the north-west and towards Wigan, Manchester and on to the High Peak of Derbyshire in the east.

Etymology

The locality was referred to as Holland in 1086 in the Domesday Book. The name Upholland differentiates it from another place locally called Downholland, 10 miles to the west (on the other side of Ormskirk). Both derive their names from the manor of Holland, a possession of the Holland family until 1534.

Notable claims

One of Upholland's claims to fame is that George Lyon, reputed to be one of the last English highwaymen, is said to be buried in the churchyard of the Anglican Church of St. Thomas the Martyr. The truth of the matter is that Lyon was little more than a common thief and receiver of stolen goods. The grave can be found under the concrete parapet opposite the White Lion pub.