"Smithills was home to the Bartons for almost 200 years, until in 1659 the hall and estate was passed by marriage to the Belasyse family." (from http://www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/smithillshall/smithills-history/)

"The family name of Barton emerged as a very notable family name in the county of Lancashire, establishing a family seat at Barton Hall in Smithills. For the next 2-3 centuries, the Barton name was involved and played a significant role in the political development of England. But, again due to wars and political/religious conflict, many families moved to Ireland, and to the "colonies" in the 16th, 17th and even 18th centuries." (from http://bartonsite.org/COA.htm)

"In 1528 Robert Barton of Mekil Ormeshead esquire makes a settlement of his manors of Mekil Ormeshead and Littel Ormeshead, and his lands there, as also at Great Asby, Patterdale, Sandwyk, and Pullo, in the county of Westmorland, and his lands in Yorkshire and Northumberland, upon his cousin Henry Barton of Chempsforth in the county of Essex gentleman, remainder to Thomas Barton of Warcop, remainder to Andrew Barton of Smythylls in the county of Lancaster, remainder to John Barton of Whenby in the county of York in tail male, remainder to his own right heirs"" (from *Nicolson et al 1777 pp515-517.)