Denton is a town 5 miles east of Manchester City Centre and now within the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, Greater Manchester.

It is now predominantly a residential area but previously known for its coal mining and hat industry. The latter began in the 16th century when local farmers made coarse felts from wool and rabbit fur.

By 1887 a company owned by Joseph Oldham was manufacturing machinery for the hatting industry. Later, it began manufacturing machinery and equipment for coal mining, which included battery-powered portable miners' lamps. After hatting, Oldham Batteries became the largest employer in Denton.