[1] Historically a township of the civil and ecclesiastical parish of Bolton le Moors in the Salford hundred of Lancashire, it lies 2 miles (3.2 km) north-east of Bolton and 4 miles (6.4 km) north-west of Bury.

It was recorded variously as Brihtmede (1257), Brightemete (1277), Breghmete and Breghtmed (1292), Brithmete (1302), Brightmede (1510) and Breightmet (1574).

[2] The manor originated as part of the Marsey fee and one ploughland was held by Augustin de Breightmet in the 12th century.

[2] In the township there was a quarry and several collieries, including one accessing a seam of coal 3 yards (2.7 m) thick.

St James' parish church designed by John Edgar Gregan was consecrated in 1855.

Badly Drawn Boy (real name Damon Gough), indie singer-songwriter, grew up in Breightmet[citation needed] Rock and roll singer Johnny Kidd died at age 30 in a car collision on the A58, Bury New Road, in Breightmet, around 2 a.m. on 8 October 1966.