Ashton-under-Lyne is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, in Greater Manchester, England. Lying under the Pennine hills, roughly seven miles (11 km) east of Manchester City Centre, it has a total population of 43,236. Although existing for centuries, Ashton (as it is referred in shorthand) grew rapidly in size during the 19th century due to cotton spinning and weaving, and coal mining. Today, Ashton is a predominantly residential town.