Altrincham Heritage

This illustration by local artist Tom Colley depicts the scene in 1745 when 500 Jacobite cavalry troops arrived in Altrincham on a snowy December morning demanding lodging from the Red Lion inn and other places in the town. Supporting the Stuart pretender Bonnie Prince Charlie, they were a decoy appearing to go to Wales while the other 5,500 troops made their way to Derby.

The details of the event were passed down through the generations as an oral history. The buildings are based upon another illustration from 1800 showing at the centre the 1684 upper town hall with the butter market on the ground floor and dungeons in the cellar. To the right is the original town cross. The Red Lion building is to the left and along the Unicorn Inn, can still be seen today.

(Original pen and ink drawing by Tom Colley, 1895, used in local history publications)

As reported in The Days’ Doings, there was a, ‘Singular and Startling Incident near Manchester’ in July 1871. Two horses with a carriage were standing in the grounds of Mr Sedgley’s house of Homefield, between Brooklands and Sale. They were startled and set off at a rapid pace towards the railway. The horses then leapt from the turnpike road over a hedge and ended up travelling along Altrincham to Manchester MSJ & AR tracks. To the consternation of commuters standing at Sale Station, they passed by ‘at a furious pace’, being eventually stopped short of Stretford. To add to the drama, a little boy had climbed into the carriage just before the horses set off, but ‘made the perilous journey unharmed’ – as did both the horses and the carriage.

The Days’ Doings was a short-lived sensationalist newspaper, published in London in 1871-72. It had a counter-part in New York.

(The Days’ Doings, 29th July 1871)

With an increase in population to the west of Hale, Canon Harry A. Hignett the first vicar of Ringway wrote to Lord Egerton explaining that a new church was needed to cope with demand. The result was the Mission Church of Saint Paul built in half-timbered style with a red tile roof. It was paid for in part of Lord Egerton and built on land donated by William Cunliffe Brookes M. P.. The church was opened on Saint Paul’s Day in 1882.

This illustration is looking to the south up George Street, with the royal couple about to pass by carriage under a triumphal arch on Station Road to the left.
 

Alfred Ingham writing in 1896 in his Altrincham and Bowdon with Historical Reminscences of Ashton on Mersey Sale and Surrounding Townships, described the event as follows:

 
“In 1886 the preparations for celebrating the Jubilee of Queen Victoria were begun, the ancient Court Leet and the Altrincham Local Board co-operating most harmoniously to make the affair a complete success. The year 1887 will stand out prominently in the annals of the good old town in having been honoured with a visit from Royalty in the persons of T.R.H. the Prince and Princess of Wales, who were guests of Lord Egerton of Tatton, at Tatton Park, on the occasion of the opening of the Jubilee Exhibition at Old Trafford, on the 4th of May in that year. Triumphal arches of mediaeval design were erected in Dunham Road and Station Road, and the town was gay with flags and bunting. On arriving at the railway station (Altrincham and Bowdon), the Mayor, Mr. Joseph Gaskarth, was presented to the Prince, and a beautiful bouquet was presented to the Princess by Miss Katherine Cocks, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Cocks, agent to the Dunham estate. Beautifully bound copies of the programme of the day’s festivities were presented to the Prince and Princess. They were printed in gold, bound in light leather, lined with white silk, the production of Mr. S. Butler, of George Street, and highly creditable to Altrincham enterprise. After- wards the Band of the Third Cheshire Volunteers headed a procession of school children to Dunham Park, where refreshments were served and games indulged in. The celebration of Jubilee Day was fixed for Tuesday, June 21st, on which occasion the arrangements were carried out by the Local Board, of which Mr John Newton was chairman. The day was observed as a general holiday, and a special thanksgiving service was held in St. George’s Church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the Vicar, the Rev. George London. In the afternoon a grand procession was formed in the new Market Place, embracing members of the Local Board, the Fire Brigade, the Sunday scholars about 4,000 in number, and the various Friendly Societies in the town and district. A special medal was struck and presented to each scholar, and special badges were provided for the committee and stewards, of which there was a large number. The old people of the age of the Queen (68) were entertained to a substantial repast in the Market Hall, by Alderman Griffin, J. P., Mayor; sports were held in Dunham Park, and the day’s proceedings were brought to a close by a display of fireworks.”
 
(Illustration by Tom Colley, 1896)

The water meadows by the Bollin River in the valley to the south of Bowdon, were an ideal spot to set up camp, play cricket and swim in the fresh air away from the smoky and densely populated city of Manchester.

(The Graphic, 25th August 1888)

This is a photo looking northeast towards George Street (Well Street, later Station Road) in Altrincham. On the left is what had become Stamford Street and Post Office Place, formerly New Street.

The building on the left-hand corner had been the Post Office and plumbing business of Geoffrey Wilde. At the time of this photo, Josiah Drinkwater was the occupant with his plumbing business, helped out by his two sons. They also undertook more general house refurbishment and improvements, as shown on their signs. Josiah was the sole agent in the district for the incandescent gas light.

It was taken in early 1890s, before the 1852 Altrincham and Bowdon Literary Institution in the distance had been extended on both sides in 1894. In the process, the four cottages seen here on the lower side of the fence on the right were demolished.

(Photo by Harold Wilkinson)

The fine stone building on the corner of the entrance to Goose Green which still exists, is the then 1883 Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank building. The upper floors were home to the film director Ronald Gow as a boy. His father was the bank manager.

It is not clear what the procession was celebrating but the plain Blue Ensign is repeatedly hung, suggesting a nautical connection. A float featuring a model of the poles, with hopefully only what was a stuffed seal perched on the ice, also has a wooden hut with the occupant unseen.

Several young women in the crowd are dressed in the modern ‘Gibson Girl’ style, based on the illustrations of American artist Charles Dana Gibson. The clothing was less restrictive, with a simple shirt and a mannish necktie with a plain, flared skirt. A straw hat sat upon on a mass of upswept curls. It gave the impression of a confident, athletic and independent ‘new woman’.

When ‘Lord’ Sangar’s Circus came to an area, a magnificent free procession passed through the nearby town, giving a taster of the main event. Elaborate tableaus on horse-drawn carts; wild beasts in cages and circus performers filled the streets and enthralled onlookers.

This photograph shows the procession outside Bowen’s Ironmongers, at the top end of George Street, when it used to curve round to become Railway Street. The circus itself was held on the remaining open space of Hale Moss, to the east of the town centre.

(Photo by Harry Wilkinson)

The families and friends of coal agent and carter Samson Thompson and laundress Alice Chester came together for this photograph taken on their wedding day on 29th October 1900. Behind them can be seen the thatched roof of ‘The Old House’ where the Chester family of market gardeners, dairymen and porters lived from the 1880s until they moved into nearby West Bank farm house in the early 1900s.

For locals and visitors alike, the Bollin River and the surrounding attractions of Dunham Massey Hall, Rostherne and Bowdon made a wonderful day out on foot, by bicycle or via the good choice of public transport.

In the distance is the wooden bridge linking Hale on the left and Ashley Mill on the other bank.

The Court Leet of Altrincham was founded at the time the Market Charter was granted by King Edward I to Hamo de Masci in 1290. The well-to-do members called Burgesses, acted like a local council led by a Mayor, under the supervision of successive Lords of Dunham Massey. A tradition enacted for centuries included an annual walk around the Township of Altrincham confirming the boundary. This was very important in ancient times when there were no maps. Boundary stones were hit with a willow ‘wand’ and perhaps the line in the sandy soil was marked out.

The Court Leet ceased in 1937 but was recreated in 1974 by the Roger Grey, the 10th and last Earl of Stamford, when Altrincham was absorbed into the Borough of Trafford. In 1980, members revived the Beating the Bounds tradition, which takes place in full costume on 2nd Sunday in July each year. It starts at 10.30am at the Altrincham/Dunham Massey Township boundary stone at the bottom of Higher Downs.

Left to right: J. Brooks, A. Griffiths, J.T. Hughes (Overseers); G.E. Turton (Assistant Overseer); T. Pritchard (Relieving Officer); W. S. Stokoe (Clerk to U. D. C.); Chas Nickson, Edward Bradley and George Worthington

Local people headed towards the centre of Hale Barns for celebrations for the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Mary.

(Photo by Arnold H. Wolff, 26^th June 1902  )

The building replaced a church built in 1860, which was tucked away behind the houses at what are now 77 and 77a New Street. The new church of Saint Vincent de Paul was designed by Edmund Kirby, a pupil of Edwin Pugin. The stone was laid by Bishop Allen at the time of Father C. Ryder.

(Photo taken 18th June 1904)

On the field of Mr Spilsbury to rear of Primrose Cottages, a changing tent was erected on the banks of the Bollin River. A harmonium to accompany the hymns was also put in place. As well as the congregation of Hale Road Baptist Chapel which was conducting the ceremony, up to 4,000 others came along to view the spectacle.

The baptism was conducted by Cowell Lloyd, the popular and charismatic minster of Hale Road Baptist Chapel.

In 1895, local farmer and property developer Andrew C. Sparkes sold some of his land next to the canal to the Linotype Company to build their factory, along with affordable rented housing and outdoor sports facilities for their workers. Sparkes still required access over the land to move building materials for his own developments but the Linotype company refused him permission. Seen in the left of the photo, he took matters into his own hands and he and his farm workers blocked access to the Linotype works with carts loaded with stone blocks.

(Photo by George B. Bradshaw and Company)

When William Grey 9th Earl of Stamford, his Countess Lady Penelope and their two young children took up residence at Dunham Hall in 1906 after an absence of the family for over 50 years, there was a procession through the welcoming crowds in Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon and Dunham Massey. There were stops for formal receptions in each place.

The family arrived by train at the carpeted platforms of Altrincham Station soon after 2 o’clock on 8th August 1906. They were met by the Mayor and other members of the Court Leet, who presented an address. This referred to Lord Stamford being Lord of the Manor and the head of their ancient Court, founded in 1290.

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

The family processed in their carriages, followed by the Mayor and other dignitaries on foot, going along Market Street bedecked with fluttering flags, towards Altrincham Town Hall.

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

At the Town Hall newly built in 1901, the family went inside where the Altrincham Urban District Council welcomed them, and a further address was made. The two children Roger, Lord of Groby and Lady Jane Grey, were presented with a silver loving cup each. The event attracted huge crowds, with some very fine hats on show.

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

The garden and offices of Hale Urban District Council on the corner of Cambridge Road were the next stop, where a framed illuminated address was read and presented.

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

At Bowdon, the fourth reception was given by the Urban District Council. The Stamford children by this time had started to get impatient and were asking their parents, ‘Where is the house?’

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

‘WELCOME HOME AT LAST’ read the scroll over the entrance to Dunham Town. Residents in this Estate village next to the Hall and Park waited by ancient ‘Big Tree’ for the Stamford procession to pass through. Note the photographer at the centre and the beehives on the other side of the wall.

(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

The carriage passed by Big Tree cottage in the centre of Dunham Town, bedecked with red, white and blue bunting.

(Photo taken 8th August 1906)

Finally, the family arrived at Dunham Hall at 4 o’clock, their carriage having passed along the avenue of beeches in Dunham Park. Lord Stamford inherited the Estate in 1905 and had decided to modernise and refurbish the Hall and move in, it having been rented or left empty for over 50 years.

They were met by their tenants, one of whom made the final address. In the photo, the seated lady is Mrs Timperley of Dunham. Standing left are Mr A. M. Higham and Mr Tom Johnson, headmaster at Seamon’s Moss School. To the right are Mr Harry Yarwood, Mrs A. Higham and Miss Elizabeth Higham.

(Photo taken 8th August 1906)

To the left in high Edwardian fashion is Lady Penelope and to the right is her husband William Grey, the 9th Earl of Stamford and Baron Grey of Groby. In the middle are their two children – Roger, Lord Grey of Groby and Lady Jane Grey who was named after her famous but unfortunate ancestor.

 
(Photo by Samuel Butler and Company, 8th August 1906)

Tobogganing was a winter sport which both girls and boys of the time could enjoy.

(Photo by the Neil brothers)

Seven special cars left Manchester Town Hall for the Altrincham terminus, carrying council members and worthies. The tram line had reached Park Road, Timperley in the August of the previous year and then was laid down Sandiway Road, Barrington Road and along Stamford New Road finishing on Railway Street.

 
(Photo by the Neil brothers, 9th May 1907)

On 9th May 1907, a woman with a pram turns to look towards the foot of The Downs, where the opening of the new electric tram service to Manchester was in progress. This form of transport added to the trains and omnibuses which served the commuter route into Manchester. The Manchester Corporation took the 25-year lease on the line, which expired in 1931 when the trams ceased. However in 1991, the Metrolink tram system was reintroduced and has gradually expanded all over Greater Manchester.

(Photo by the Neil brothers, 9th May 1907)

Penelope the Countess of Stamford, her son Roger Grey and his sister Lady Jane Grey attended the ceremony and laid the stone of the new Church of England school for infants on 28th April 1908. Funds for the land and the building of the school were raised by the local community. The church became Saint Luke’s Hall and has now become a small and handy supermarket.

(Photo taken 28th April 1908)

Another group of children in a variety of national costumes pose for the cameras. There is a clear view of the fields in Bowdon Vale and the mansions up in Bowdon beyond.

The children appear in the costumes of the army, navy and the boy scouts, along with those from the countries of the United Kingdom. They pose for the photo waving Union Jacks.

The local Boy’s Brigade get ready to set off as part of the parade. To the left is Saint Peter’s School dating from 1904. To the right is the Hale Congregational Church opened in 1899 with Sunday School extensions of 1911, all built to cater for the expanding population. The new houses on Cecil Road sweep away into the distance.

The display was put on by the Altrincham District Ambulance Brigade at a Wesleyan Fete.

(Photo by E. Scholey)

This well-supported entertainment group put on regular performances in the area on Carnival and other celebration days.

A motley band makes it way up the main street at Hale Barns. They have just passed the original Unicorn inn which demolished and replaced in 1935.

(Lantern slide)

Chairman of the Council H. Smallwood Esq., J. P., plants a tree in celebration of the Coronation, outside Altrincham Town Hall on Market Street.

(Photo by John Ingham and Sons, 22nd June 1911)

The girls of Navigation Road Council School did a Morris dance on the nearby recreational ground. There was a revival of Morris dancing by Mary Neal specifically for girls and young women at the beginning of the 20th century, although there was already a long tradition in the Northwest of mixed performances.

To the left in the background can be seen the factories at nearby Broadheath.

(Photo by William A. Parsons, 22nd June 1911)

The Coronation Committee arranged a sit down event in the Literary Institute in George Street, Altrincham. The room was decorated with bunting and paper lanterns. Tea was served from large urns set at the end of each table. The entertainment program started with ‘Gramophone Selections’ by music shop owner, James Noble. Then there was a comedy in one act, songs and other musical performances.

(Photo by William A. Parsons, 22nd June 1911)

Mock Tudor huts were set up on the farm fields leading down to the Bollin River, to sell refreshments, hoops and souvenirs on King George V and Queen Mary’s Coronation Day held at the beginning of summer on 22nd June 1911.

(Photo taken 22nd June 1911)

The beacon was built on the Recreation Ground in Bowdon Vale, which was at that time surrounded by farmland and market gardens.

(Photo taken 22nd June 1911)

The scholars attending Saint George’s Jubilee Schools performed a complex Maypole dance to band music on The Devisdale in Bowdon, as part of the day’s performances.

(Photo by John Ingham and Sons, 22nd June 1911)

Stamford Park was the setting for the Irish jig performed by the children of St Vincent’s Infant’s School. The dancers were May Fletcher, Julia Hirst, May Hughes, Georgina Moore, Nora Preece, Ivy Tracey, Madeline Unsworth and Mary Whitlow.

(Photo by John Ingham and Sons, 22nd June 1911)

The afternoon procession seen here in Railway Street was headed by the fitting ‘Tableau I: Britannia’, at the near height of the extent of the British Empire, over which the King George V and Queen Mary would rule. Doris Lord of Altrincham Higher Elementary School played Britannia.

(Photo by William A. Parsons, 22nd June 1911)

The soldiers processed past the shops on Ashley Road and the Union Bank on the corner of Cecil Road, from the Drill Hall towards Hale Station.

Some of the children of the Linotype and Machinery Company workers, living on the Linotype Estate of houses built by the company, formed a makeshift maypole. Small signs refer to the War raging at the time.

The crowd throngs in and around a procession along Regent Road, turning into Stamford New Road, as part of the events to mark the end of World War I.

(Photo taken 11th November 1918)  

These are, ‘Some of the boys in our road and their friends who had a Court Martial upon an effigy of the Kaiser, condemned him and burnt him amongst much excitement. Fireworks followed and biscuits and lemonade were handed round. Altogether they had a fine time in which we joined by invitation.’

(Photo and description by Arthur K. Lawson of Kenara, 11 Addison Road, Hale, 19th July 1919)

This memorial seen behind the 10th Earl of Stamford who unveiled it on 5th April 1919, was put up by residents of the street to honour those from ‘the bravest little street in England’. This description was due to the high number of 80 men who volunteered from this one street of 60 houses on the day war was declared. The total rose to 161, with 29 of them not surviving. Many were Irish labourers living in lodging houses.

The memorial designed by printer Joseph Butler of George Street, can now be found in Altrincham Town Hall, along with a telegram from King George V read out on the day. The original location was on the side of an 18th century chapel which has been demolished and replaced by public toilets.

(Altrincham and Bowdon Guardian, 11th April 1919)

The procession from outside Saint Luke’s Church in Bowdon Vale went up the hill to lay a wreath on the new WWI memorial outside Saint Mary’s Church at Bowdon. The man to the left holding the wreath is Albert Bowland. In the middle is William Bailey and to the right is Sergeant Major Gerry Moran.  

This memorial in the form of sandstone Celtic cross to 25 local men was unveiled on 18th June 1921 at the centre of Hale Barns. Memorials tended to be placed at cross roads and significant junctions as constant reminders to those passing of the great sacrifices made.

(Photo taken 18th June 1921)

The group sports costumes of classic characters including the huntsman, the merchant, maids in bonnets, the sailor and the yeoman.

By 1863, the widowed Mrs Eliza Williamson had relocated her boarding school for young ladies to a large new house on Ashley Road, which she called Culcheth New Hall, after her previous school in Newton Heath. The school closed in 1880 and the house was divided into two. In 1891 the three Lang sisters Helen, Edith and Mary set up a new school in the southern half and renamed it Culcheth Hall. They rented then purchased the north side of the building in 1903, opening up the blocked doors.

This photo includes some of the old girls and their children and grandchildren. The principal since 1920 was Miss A. Constance Hackforth, who introduced school uniform and a stricter approach. It became a highly selective school with a mix of boarders and day girls. They were well-versed in manners, curtseying to the teachers. Maths, French, German, music, classics and domestic economy were amongst the subjects taught.

(Photo by John Ingham and Son)

The grounds of Dunham Massey Hall and the Bollin river valley provided leafy, local venues for the 3^rd Altrincham Scout Troop, founded in 1913 by Altrincham Grammar School for Boys during the infancy of the movement. Wireless telegraphy, photography including the film and visits to industrial sites such as the Gas Works on Hale Moss and salt mines in Northwich formed part of the activities. In 1932, a new Scout Headquarters in the form of a log hut with totem poles carved by the boys, was built in the grounds of the school to the designs of local architect, F. H. Brazier.
 
The only identification on the back of the postcard simply is “Hugh and I”.

This is another view taken by local coal merchant and amateur photographer, Edward J. Horley. It was from the Dunham Road, on the bend by West Lynn, west of the church. As the very tall spire was such a landmark for many miles around, there was a strong desire to rebuild it at a cost of up to £5,000. There was a proposal to appeal to the motorists of the area and those passing by but nothing came of it.

(Photo by Edward J. Horley)

The famous steeplejack and aviator George A. Quayle is seen here with the top of the spire on the ground. He had assessed and then taken down the whole spire from the church, which had been built to the plans of William Hayley in 1851-55 by the 7th Earl of Stamford in the newly created Parish of Dunham Massey. It was in a highly dangerous state, with potential to fall across the main Dunham Road and the War Memorial.

See the Scrapbook relating to George Arthur Quayle, steeplejack and aviator, covering the period c.1916 – c.1934 on the Historic Publications and Documents page.

George A. Quayle’s workmen also undertook repair work on the tower of the church, from platforms made of a simple plank of wood tied by a rope.

(Photo by Edward J. Horley)

The children receiving presents include Howard, Kathryn and Jean.

From the beginning of the purpose-built school in 1910, the head teacher was the formidable and feared Miss Howes Smith, known as ‘H. S.’. Upon her retirement on 28th July 1933, there was a presentation of a silver salver on the entrance steps. The school began as a girls’ secondary school with a mixed infants section. Today it is known as Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and has expanded greatly in size and location compared to its original buildings and grounds.

(Photo taken 28th July 1933)

This snap shows the Kangaroo patrol kitchen at the 3rd Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Scouts camp, at Home Farm, down by the Bollin River. Dinner seems to have been sausages and mash, with the potatoes boiling in the billycan. The patrol leader Renshaw sits down while he cooks. A new Scout Hall had been built in the school grounds in 1932.

The procession headed by religious and education leaders, passed along Ashley Road through the village and past the houses on its way to the celebrations for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, held on a nearby sports field. Many people walked along side.

(Photo taken 12th May 1937)

Soldiers outside the Drill Hall on Ashley Road stand ready for the procession which marked the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. They were from the 7th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment. Their Drill Hall was built in 1876 as the Bowdon Skating Rink Limited during a national roller-skating craze but it was soon turned over to military use.

(Photo taken 12th May 1937)

The traffic and pedestrians tailed back behind the parade, after it had passed through the town.

(Photo taken 12th May 1937)

The wedding reception of Joe Pearson and Mary Skinner was held in April 1950 at the Arts and Crafts Assembly Rooms on The Firs in Bowdon. They had married at nearby Saint Mary’s Church. The traditional menu from post-war Britain consisted of tomato soup; roast chicken; potatoes (creamed and roast); peas and carrots followed by trifle or cream ice with fruit plus cheese and biscuits.

(Photo by Northern Press Photo Agency Ltd)

Following the tradition of the Manchester area dating back to early 1800s, on the first Friday after Whitsun (Pentecost), Sunday School scholars from all the churches dressed all in white processed through the streets with the clergy.

The purpose-built fire station and practice tower were opened on Princes Road north of Altrincham in 1962. It had moved from its site behind the Town Hall in Altrincham. It came under Cheshire County Council and covered areas as far away as Knutsford.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

In the early 1960s, Altrincham was twinned with the French town of Blanc-Mesnil in Seine-et-Oise, which was on the outskirts of Paris and close to two airports. In 1965 a French Week was sponsored by the Altrincham Chamber of Trade.

An empty shop due for demolition on the corner of George Street and Grafton Street was turned into a French bistro for the week. Bread, fruit, French cheese and a glass of ‘Fleur de France’ wine were served. The Mayor of Blanc-Mesnil joined in the festivities and a French gendarme patrolled the town with a local policeman.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The ‘While you Wait’ dry cleaners and launderers entered into the spirit of the event, decorating their window with a French theme with the staff dressing as French maids.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The windows of local wine and spirit merchants and those of empty shops due for demolition featured French wines and champagnes in their window displays. In the former Lea’s wallpaper store on the curved section of Railway Street, bottles of Moet and Chandon champagne were ingeniously rigged up as the legs of cancan dancers.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The Mayor at the time was Councillor Edith M. Hoyle. The original furniture and layout of the fine Council Chamber of the 1901 Town Hall can be seen. The two main chairs in Jacobean style are to the designs of Bernard Smith, London. The set of smaller chairs were by Joseph Phillips, a local wood carver and author of an illustrated instruction book on wood carving.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

This view is down Grafton Street, the linking route between George Street and Railway Street, which was replaced by the internal Grafton Mall. The buildings on the right were all demolished.

(Photo Ian by Gee)

Looking across the site of the Grafton and Railway Street shops, the buildings on Stamford New Road can be seen. At the centre is Eustace Parker’s jewellery shop still with its turret and the 1936 (Montague) Burton’s building to the right.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

This photo taken from the top of George Street, shows the demolition of the traditional Unsworth’s chemist shop, with the modern Boot’s building opposite.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

This view on George Street is looking south, before it was pedestrianised. Note the neon lights marking the handy cut-through to the bus station, remembered by many.

 
(Photo by Ian Gee)

A fine array of supermarket and home-made goods were on sale to raise funds.

A family event was held on the open green space of The Devisdale on the top of the hill at Bowdon. This was part of the 700th year anniversary celebrations of the granting of the Charter to Altrincham in 1290 allowing its then Lord Hamo de Masci to hold a weekly market. The day had a medieval theme and included jousting.

(Photo by George Davies)

Funded by local businesses, developers and the Arts Council, the cast bronze sculpture was unveiled by the Mayor, Councillor Bernard Sharp attended by the Court Leet.

 
(Photo by Sue Nichols, 9th May 2008)

Outside the Bricklayers Arms on George Street, the Mayor Ken Weston, the Bellman David Eastwood and other members of the Court Leet assemble with Saint George, the damsel and the dragon.

(Photo by Sue Nichols, 23rd April 2011)

On the second Sunday of July at 10.30am, Altrincham Court Leet begins its re-enactment of the Beating of the Bounds ceremony, which had been revived in 1977.
The beating of the stone set in the wall which marks the original boundary between Altrincham and Dunham Massey Townships, is done here with a willow wand by the Steward Bryan Massey, after he read out an ancient proclamation. To the far left is Bellman David Eastwood and to the far right are Court Leet members, Patricia Kovach and Judie Collins.

This particular boundary was actually moved in 1920 when the spur of Dunham Massey was incorporated into Altrincham. The eleven other boundary markers around the town are beaten in a similar fashion.

 
(Photo by Sue Nichols, 10th July 2011)

The idea of a parade passing through Altrincham town centre was revived in 1977. The Festival parade starts from Saint Margaret’s Road, heads down The Downs (seen here), through the town then onto to the show ground at Beech Field in Timperley. Local groups and organisations, such as the football club with its Robin mascot provide the entertainment.

 
(Photo by Sue Nichols, 2nd July 2011)

The carnival parade was held to raise funds for Altrincham General Hospital with coin collectors holding out buckets as they walked past onlookers.

The boy scouts process along Railway Street over the setts inset with tram lines leading to the terminus. The photo was taken from the purpose-built photographic studio at 19 Railway Street near the entrance to Goose Green, occupied by women photographers Jessie Barnes and Kate Dunsmuir since 1907.

(Photo by Barnes and Dunsmuir)

Max Chester and his son, a family of market gardeners, dairymen and porters of Bow Green in Bowdon, proudly ride their cart along Railway Street.

(Photo by Barnes and Dunsmuir)

Two grumpy little girls bedecked in peanuts are kept in check by their cheery minder at the carnival.

The centre of attention is a small boy dressed up as Charlie Chaplin, pretending to smoke a cigarette and holding a doll. Others in fancy dress on horseback, took their inspiration from the Wild West of America.

The King Carnival and the Rose Queen smile up to the photographer taking shots from the first-floor window of the studio at 19 Railway Street, as the parade passes by the Woolpack and Grafton Street on the other side of the road. Their vehicle was covered with a variety of signs, some requesting that coppers be thrown into the trailer to raise funds for the local hospital. In the crowd, fashionable cloche hats abound.

(Photo by Barnes and Dunsmuir)

The Carnival parade raising funds for Altrincham General Hospital, like its successor organised by the Altrincham Festival formed in 1978, had an array of colourful and imaginative floats. Here can be seen the themes of ‘Aladdin’, ‘Purity’ and the Belgium Cooperators.

(Lantern slide)

The procession makes its way through the town centre via Stamford Street, past the Malt Shovels to the left, the Victoria in the distance and the Railway Inn to the far right. At the Hippodrome cinema, there is a banner and billboard for one of actor Langley Howard’s films. Beyond is the Georgian building called Springfield House. Note the Charlie Chaplin impersonator to the far left.

There was a strong brass band tradition in the area, with much competition between them. The fashions of the crowd show the cloche hat and trilby was very popular at this time.

(Photo Barnes and Dunsmuir)

The May Queen has been newly crowned on The Devisdale in Bowdon by the then Mayor of Altrincham, D. Stanley Morris and his Lady Mayor, both displaying their chains of office. In the foreground is Freddie Fox as King Carnival and Ted Fleming as Queen Carnival.

Opened in a brand new building in 1937 on George Street, the store closed its doors on 27 December 2008 along with others across the nation over a week long period. The shelves were almost left bare.

(Photo by Mike Arron)

The traffic was stopped outside the 1901 Jubilee Baths, to allow the procession to pass.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The brass band has just passed by the Altrincham Picture Theatre, built in 1913. It was pulled down in the late 1960s to build the tall Station House office block. Note the billboards for famous brands in front of some wasteland, where houses once stood and later became the site of the former Rackhams department store.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

During the Carnival the Cheshire Division of the CD Corps caused a stir outside the entrance to the Stamford Hall, when they demonstrated an easily assembled lifting system for a casualty on a stretcher, with the ropes guided by a Warden, to get them from one side of a tall brick wall to the other.

Under the Civil Defence Act of 1948, a volunteer civil defence force grew out from the Air Raid Precautions, which had been active from 1935 until 1945. It was prompted by the new threats to the civilian population during the Cold War of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. Much of their training was put to good use for peacetime emergencies and disasters, such as floods and train crashes. The CD Corps was surprisingly stood down in 1968, with financial cuts being cited as the reason. For more information see the Civil Defence Association.

In the distance are the backs of the early Victorian houses on eastern side of Stamford Street, still there today.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The casualty is guided towards the CD Corps ambulance. The moment was caught by professional photographer, Ian Gee.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Part of the CD Corps recruitment drive was for the Headquarters section, which was involved in controlling operations; communications and the collection and interpretation of data. Portable radio transmitter and receivers were demonstrated.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

This was the biggest day in the year for locals and many further afield and the event attracted vast numbers.

Every conceivable breed of farm animal and type of agricultural produce was on show and in the competition.

(Lantern slide)

The ploughs were made by E. & H. Roberts Limited at their Britannia Iron Works in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire. Founded by blacksmith Richard Roberts in 1821, the company produced high-quality castings of agricultural implements and goods, as well as gates and railings. It won many prizes for its products and exported worldwide but closed down due to bankruptcy in 1927. See Deanshanger Iron Works for more information.

Samuel Butler and his wife Rachael, set up a hosiery business in Altrincham in 1852. By the early 1880s, they moved to 10 George Street and started selling stationary, books and later printing services. Samuel Butler died in 1892 but his two children, Dora and Joseph, continued the business.

From 1904 until World War I, during the picture postcard collecting craze, they published the extensive Bowdon Series of local views. Usually of better quality than this advertising postcard, they were mainly in colour and often printed in Saxony. Their commercial stand at the Altrincham Show, also sold cabinets for retailers to display the postcards.

There was great pressure on the local train, road and tram systems as people, birds and animals from across the nation needed transport to and from the show. The town centre was always particularly busy with visitors and as well as locals as is seen here at the tram terminus on Railway Street.

In its heyday, the Altrincham Show was the largest one day agricultural show in the nation. It took place on the open area of common land of The Devisdale in Bowdon from 1896 until 1966. There was however, a five year break for WWI. Photographed here is ‘a land girl interested in an exhibit’ at the first show after the War.

(Country Events of Interest, The Sphere, 4th October 1919)

There were nearly 5,000 entries in that year’s show with prizes large and small offered to the value of £5,000.

(Country Events of Interest, The Sphere, 4th October 1919)

With its sandy, dry and easy to work soil and mild climate, the area around Altrincham was famous for its market gardens. There was a great demand for the produce from the expanding population of nearby Manchester, where the goods were taken by canal boat or cart. This illustration shows the frantic preparations by local market gardeners and allotment growers for their entries into the Show’s competitions, which had nationwide entries.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

People and creatures from across the country arrive at the show, early 1900s. The postcard features caricatures of a Scots, Welsh and Irish man in national dress. Howard L. Roberts was born in Borth, Wales and later set up a postcard printing and photographic shop there. He quotes the Welsh language directly with the character saying, ‘Come along you old goat’.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

On the morning of the great Show, a family and their nurse take a bleary-eyed look at the barometer, in the hope of a fine day. It was the biggest event of the day for most residents and businesses.

A. W. S. Sanderson of the Altrincham Rubber Company, then on Kingsway, commissioned this set of popular postcards for promotional purposes.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

At a minute before the deadline, the queue still snakes away into the distance.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

The Corporation workman had the immense task of clearing away the pile of bones, bottles, hats and paper which had been left behind from the Show.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

In a scene outside Altrincham and Bowdon Station, all classes and professions are completely exhausted by the previous day’s event.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

‘Oh! Blame yesterday!’ was the common cry and excuse for mistakes and falling asleep at the job, due to being exhausted after the great day.

(Postcard illustrated by Howard L. Roberts)

Animals and poultry from across the nation were sent by train to the station in Altrincham. This is a scene taken on 19th September 1928 from the footbridge by ‘The Crossings’ north of the station. The larger animals were herded through the streets up to the open land of the Devisdale in Bowdon.

(Photo by E. R. Whitworth)

The September show gave the opportunity for producers and merchants to enter competitions and also to showcase their wares to the thousands of locals and visitors attending. Burgon’s had numerous high class traditional grocery stores all over the northwest of England. At their stand they promoted their Cheshire products in particular, including Cheshire Cheese, which has been produced in the region since Roman times.

Carriers of all shapes and sizes arrive to find their place.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A shire horse pulls the Oakwell Ales cart with its barrels.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The prize-winning cattle and their proud owners line up.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Multiple prize winners are congratulated.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Show jumping thrills the crowds in the stands.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A shire horse which had won first prize.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A cow girl with her entry.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

This show the area that was to be covered over in 1927 giving more weather protection for the stalls, stallholders and customers. The market did a brisk trade in the staples of butter, eggs, cheese, poultry, bacon, fruit and vegetables but also sold crockery, confectionary, hardware and drapery.

In the distance can be seen the Conservative Working Mens’ Club on Greenood Street, built in 1889.

The market canopy seen here was taken down but has been recreated and now covers an outdoor eating area serving the highly popular food, drink and socialising hub in the repurposed Market House .

 
(Photo by Anthony Garbutt)

Market and regular traffic regularly caused problems.

 
(Photo by Anthony Garbutt)

To the far left, the four towers of the 1914 hospital extension by Arts and Crafts architect Frank Dunkerley can be seen.

(Photo by Anthony Garbutt)

The sturdy wooden stalls with canvas awnings were set up each market day, then taken down and stored away.

 
(Photo by Anthony Garbutt)

The Market House was built in 1879 by local builder Martin Stone for the then authority, the Local Board of Health. It had bought the right to market tolls and dues from Lord Stamford for £1,000 in 1878.

Through the doors can be seen the St Margaret’s Institute, built in 1896.

(Photo by Anthony Garbutt)

Arrival of the goods on Shaw’s Road.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Cleaning one of the stalls for ready cheese.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

An early trader has his breakfast and a read before setting out his stall.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A quick break in setting up jewellery

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The nylons specialist.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Crockery and a selection of tape in the Market House.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

Shoes and slippers of all sizes at an outdoor stall.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Inspecting the cutlery.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

Mr S. Tyrrell, the fish salesman.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

Fruit in waxed paper.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Counting up the cost of a basket of fruit and veg.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

The rent man begins collecting his dues.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

The traders pay 6s. 6d. per stall.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Collecting the stall rent in the covered market.

(Photo Ian Gee)

Market shoppers on Greenwood Street.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

Dirty Dick’s drapery stall.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Towels of any size or colour.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Silverware and jewellery galore.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Deciding between the blankets and eiderdown quilts.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A joke with a customer.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Metalware and mirrors.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Fabric stall in the covered market.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Reflected disorder.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A purchase from the crockery stall.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

The beginning of the end.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Sold Out.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Empty biscuit boxes cleared away after a good day’s trade.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Firewood collector.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Urchins out to make mischief.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Loading up.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

A wicker basket used for transporting unsold goods.

 (Photo by Ian Gee)

Brushing up.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Dismantling the outside stalls.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

Locking up.

(Photo by Ian Gee)

In the days when many women still made their own clothes, rolls of fabric proved popular.