The Civil Parish of Downholland lies in the south-western corner of West Lancashire; it includes the village of Haskayne and the settlements of Barton and Downholland Cross as well as scattered farmhouses and cottages. It has a total area of 12 square miles most of which is prime agricultural land. The nearest towns are Southport, seven miles to the west and Ormskirk five miles to the east. Liverpool is about 12 miles away. The population of about 1000 is employed in the surrounding towns and cities or on the land. The Leeds and Liverpool canal runs through the parish.
