Atherton has had an Egyptian-style obelisk standing beside its parish church since around 1781 — a genuinely unusual piece of 18th-century landscaping for a Lancashire coal and cotton town.
An obelisk built for a Lancashire squire
Near the south-east corner of Atherton's parish church stands a pseudo-Egyptian obelisk, built around 1781 for Robert Vernon Atherton, lord of the manor. A near-identical obelisk was raised at the same time in neighbouring Leigh — a small flourish of 18th-century landscape fashion, still standing in a town better known for coal than classicism.
A town built on coal, nails and cotton
Atherton was shaped by coal mining and nail manufacture from as early as the 14th century, and became part of the wider Manchester Coalfield through the Industrial Revolution. The last deep coal mine in the town closed in 1966, and the last cotton mill followed in 1999. Atherton Town Hall, a Baroque building of 1900 on Bolton Road that once housed the Urban District Council, now serves as a community hub and public library.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Atherton's history runs through coal seams, nail forges and cotton looms, not confectionery counters — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Greater Manchester and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Atherton and the rest of Greater Manchester included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Atherton?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What is the Egyptian obelisk in Atherton?
A pseudo-Egyptian obelisk built around 1781 for Robert Vernon Atherton, standing near the south-east corner of the parish church.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Atherton?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Atherton addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.