Bolton is historically a part of Lancashire, and originated on the Bolton le Moors moorland, as a small settlement. During the English Civil War the town was a Parliamentarian outpost in a very Royalist region. In 1644 Bolton was stormed by 3,000 Royalist troops led by Prince Rupert of the Rhine. This attack resulted in 1600 residents killed and 700 being taken prisoner, and became known as the Bolton Massacre.