[8] After the Norman conquest in 1066, Unsworth was part of the Pilkington estate before passing into the hands of the Earls of Derby in the 15th century.

A 1984 archeological investigation suggested that there may have an iron smelting site on Unsworth Moss, by the banks of Whittle Brook.

[10]: 45  While not conclusive, the investigation explored the possibility of a regionally significant medieval bloomery that used the brook as a water source.

[11] In 1997, a further field walking investigation reiterated the suggestion of a medieval settlement in the area,[12][13] and a 2021 report by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority suggested that the site may be of regional importance, who recommended undertaking a survey into the extent of the potential iron smelting site before scheduling could be considered.

[10]: 45 Unsworth and its waterways were sources of water for local industries such as bleach and dye works, there was also clay for brickworks.

[14] The first major change in the 20th century was the construction of the Royal Air Force's logistics base at nearby Pilsworth in the Second World War, parts of which remained in use in the early 1980s by shipping firms and other industries.

Construction of the motorway, along with urbanisation in the mid-1970s reduced the dairy farm's acreage from 300 to 150 acres, resulted in a loss of the dairy production and lower yields of "hay, corn, barley and potatoes"[4] Unsworth[15] was a chapelry the eastern portion of the township of Pilkington in the parish of Prestwich[16] in the hundred of Salford and county of Lancashire in Northern England.

[21] Historically in Lancashire, the village, with the passage of the Local Government Act 1972, became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Bury on 1 April 1974.

[23] The reservation consists of woodland, marshland, open grassland (which is managed by cattle that roam the area), and historic hedgerows.

[25][26] Hollins Vale contains two of Bury's fifty Sites of Biological Importance, first granted in 1981 owing to its biodiversity.

The birds and small mammals attract predators such as kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard, tawny owl, weasel and stoat.

[11]: 20  Unsworth Moss forms a habitat for farmland birds as well as great crested newt and barn owl.

In a 2021 report, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority noted that the 'u-shaped valleys of the brook and associated vegetation form pleasant characteristic features in the landscape.

[42] In 2009 the church completed a £70,000 refurbishment which saw repairs to the roof, interior redecoration, and the replacement of the old wooden pews with individual seats.

[49][50] Local musician Guy Garvey was amongst the opposers, claiming to have written some of his best lyrics (for his band Elbow) at the library, finding it to be "a source of inspiration”.

The hall has been refurbished and extended some time around the 1950s,[54] and is currently on Bury Council's list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest as a non-designated heritage asset.

Bullets from guns had no effect but Thomas Unsworth mortally wounded the dragon by firing his dagger from a musket.

[71] The origin of the story may be related to the estate granted to a member of the family, possibly Thomas, for unknown military service.

[75] Some local folklore suggests Robert Clive had ties to the area in his early years, however this appears to be false.

[78][79] Public houses include the Bay Horse, the Queen Anne, the Hollins Bush Inn, and the Sir Robert Peel.

Former public houses include The Dragon, referencing the Unsworth Dragon legend, which was converted into Co-Op food shop; and The Bridge Inn, at Blackford Bridge, which was demolished after it was irreparably damaged in a gas explosion in March 1998;[80] and the Lord Clive making reference to Clive's alleged ties to the area, constructed in 1964 and demolished in 2020.

The clubhouse is based at Unsworth Hall and has a room commemorating Harry Vardon who won seven major championships from 1896 to 1914.