Ashton Moss was an important Mesolithic settlement.  There is a long archaeological habitation here.  The name is most likely derived from Ash trees, under the line of the Pennine Hills.  Ashton is not included in Domesday as only a partial survey was possible in this part of England at that time.  The production of woollen fabric and fustian was a key cottage industry which was industrialised when the cotton mills were built in the 1770's.

St Michaels and All Angels Church is the parish church at Ashton.  In addition to this there are now several other churches and 6 Mosques.