Within the boundaries of the historic county of Lancashire and situated to the north east of Crosby, it is a residential area of semi-detached and detached housing which dates mainly from the 1930s.

Thornton was still served by West Lancashire Council until the formation of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton on 1 April 1974.

[4] Thornton also has two historical public houses dating back to the early 19th century called the Nags Head, which is situated opposite Water Street, and the Grapes Hotel.

These, along with the local sundial, can be dated back to the late 18th century and are Grade II listed monuments.

There is another Grade II listed monument located in Back Lane called Brooms Cross.

This is a wayside cross which lies on what was the old bridleway that ran from Hightown / Ince Blundell to Sefton Parish Church, St. Helens.