Post Card

My thanks to Susan for sending in this lovely post card.  

Susan pointed out the postmark
Gee Cross  12-45pm  June 3rd  1905

A Summery Of Redfern's Rubbers Works Beginnings By Thomas Middleton

I'm struggling with 'time and health' at the moment, I am on some new medication which is taking it's time to get used to. Posting will be done when and if I can, I would rather do one big posting with new pictures while I'm feeling like I do... Bare with me and hopefully normal service will be resumed. ;o) 

Thomas Middleton History Of Hyde

At one time one of the largest manufacturing firms in Hyde.

The business of Redfern’s Rubber Works Ltd. Was commenced in March, 1900, by Mr Wilfred E. Redfern.   His first warehouse was situated in Mount Street, Hyde, and consisted of a front room in a small building, other parts of which were occupied by a bakery and the Spiritualist church. Here Mr Redfern carried on Business in cycle tyres, pedal rubbers and other rubber sundries for the cycle trade. The business steadily progressed, and Mr Thomas C. Redfern was invited to join his brother to enable the new firm to cover a larger area, and increase its turnover. They then removed to a building in Raglan Street, and later to a warehouse in Clarendon Street.

By this time the firm had taken up the sale of rubber heels, which was at that time new in the boot trade, and it was not long before Mr Wilfred and Mr Thomas Redfern, by their enterprise and initiative, gained a foremost place in this new branch of the rubber industry. Foreseeing the tremendous possibilities of this new article of universal use, they patented several of their own inventions, and registered many special designs and trade names both at home and abroad. Up to 1905 their heels had been manufactured for them, but in 1906 they purchased Spring Bank Mill, Dawson Street Hyde with a view to manufacturing for themselves. The first Redfern’s ‘Navy’ pad was produced in Redfern’s own factory on New Year’s Eve 1907.  The acquisition of this mill provided a great impetus to the activities of Messrs’ Redfern. They had ceased to be merchants, and had promoted themselves to the rank of manufacturers. Mr Thomas Redfern managed the financial and commercial side of the concern, and Mr T.C. Redfern took charge of the works, it machinery and productions. Miss Sophia Redfern was appointed to supervise the women and girls employed, and shortly afterwards Mr Arnold H. Redfern and Mr J. Arthur Redfern joined the firm.

In 1905, Redfern’s had been registered as ‘The Non-Slipping Silent Heel Co. Ltd., with a capital of £5,000, but in 1908 the nominal capital was increased to £80,000, and the name of the company changed to Redfern’s Rubber Works Ltd. As trade increased the plant and equipment of the works was steadily extended, the many innovations were introduced to increase production and reduce costs. By this time the Company had gained the reputation of being one of the most progressive rubber firms in the country. During 1910, Redfern’s embarked upon their first national advertising campaign in the newspapers and magazine with the object “ of making ‘Redfern’s’ a household word for rubber heels.” To develop the sales still further, Mr Arnold H. Redfern was appointed to London in 1911 to open the first branch depot and office at 10 Gresham St. London. Whilst the Home business was being consolidated, the Export trade was not neglected, and agents were appointed to represent the Company in many parts of the Empire and in foreign countries. International Exhibitions were utilised to introduce their goods to foreign customers; diplomas and medals being won at Liege (1905), London (1906) Milan (1906), and Turin (1911). In 1912 it was decided to manufacture cycle tyres and tubes and solid tyres for commercial vehicles. About this time the Heel department, searching for new lines, experimented with the production of waterproofed leather. This was not a success, but the experiments led to the discovery of the formula for ‘Economite’ a unique material for soleing and heeling boots and shoes which had many  advantages to recommend  it for general use, and which, on account of its durability and waterproof qualities, proved of immense value during the period of the war when satisfactory leather was unobtainable.

Although several additions had already been made to the original mill, the continued growth of the Rubber Heel business and the preparations necessary for the manufacture of ‘Economite’ and of tyres called for still more buildings and plant. After careful consideration, a new mill was was erected at the top of Dawson Street, between the original mill and the railway. This building was equipped with the most modern plant for the manufacture of solid and pneumatic tyres and tubes. The Company had now become to large for the Redfern family themselves to finance, and in March, 1913, it was converted into a Public Limited Company. In October, 1913, the capital of the Company was increased to £100, 000 to provide additional money required for the new buildings and plant and still further improvements. During this period an Engineers’ Shop was installed to enable the Company to do its own running repairs to plant and machinery, and to make the moulds required for the variety of articles now being produced.  

Before Redfern’s could get their tyres on the market, the upheaval of trade caused by the Great War broke upon them, and for the moment it appeared as though all their labours would be in vain, and their hopes dashed to pieces. The new mill, now completed and equipped, was offered to the Government for the manufacture of solid tyres and car tubes for the army, and throughout the war the factory was working at full capacity producing these and other important articles under Government supervision. They made large quantities of mouth pieces for gas masks, respiratory tubes, ‘Ebonite’ rims, swimming collars, and soles and heels for trench boots, and knee and thigh strap for waders. The firm took a prominent part in the formation of the Hyde War Savings Association, and encouraged their work-people to buy the Certificates. The splendid total of £34,130 was invested in the Certificates through Redfern’s “Silver Bullet League,” and the town’s effort was stimulated and encouraged by the enthusiastic example set by Redfern’s League.

To assist in the distribution of their goods, and to build up a reputation for prompt service in anticipation of substantial developments on the termination of the war, the firm opened branches at  Glasgow (1914), Bristol (1918), and Leeds (1919). At the conclusion of the war, Mr T. Harwood Redfern and George Lever joined the Company, and later were elected to the Board. The necessity for up-to-date laboratory attached to the works became imperative, and Mr George Lever was deputed to equip a research department for experimental work, so that the firm might take a leading part in the development of new processes in the industry. Further extensions had been made to the works during this period. Early in 1920 the capital of Company was further increased to £200, 000.

Then came the great trade slump of 1920-22, in which Redfern’s suffered in common with the whole of British commerce.  Drastic economies were affected; unprofitable departments were shut down. Then followed the closing of the Glasgow and Bristol depots. The economic upheaval  which compelled these curtailments also forced the Company to redouble its efforts at home and abroad. New advertising campaigns were embarked on and a House Magazine introduced to link customers more closely to the firm. A factory was purchased at Wincham near Northwich, and production of tennis shoes and felt slippers with rubber soles was commenced there. Experiments were made in the laboratory and in the works to find new lines for manufacture to take place of the lost trade, and to keep the factory busy. Emerging from this research work, departments were established for “Tufhide” soles and heels: “Ebonite” goods for the wireless and electrical trades; advertising mats, household rubbers, rubber flooring and interlocking tiles.

In 1924 Mr T. C. Redfern retired, and Mr J.Arthur Redfern was appointed Works Managing Director to fill the vacancy.

On October 22^nd 1926, H.R.H. The Princess Helena Victoria, G.B.E. honoured the works with a visit, and graciously accepted a gift of rubber table mats as a souvenir of the occasion.

The enlargements of the Company’s activities and the Company’s activities and the constant search for new lines to make and sell as progressively broadened the base of its operations. From being solely manufacturers of rubber heels and soles, the firm is now established as General Rubber manufacturers. They employed hundreds of workers at their Hyde factory and at Wincham, in addition to a large number of salesmen and depot staff in other parts of the country.

-------------------------------

Please feel free to comment with your memories of Redferns, and maybe fill in some of the history not covered.

Redferns Rubber Works

Sorry about not posting yesterday, and being late with it today, I have had problems with the PC and my Printer, then yesterday my grandson was taken into hospital... He's home now and all seems well. Sometimes things pop up and they have to take precedence over anything else. 

Redfern's Rubber Works and environs 

I will hopefully be showing more of this area tomorrow, so please call back and view the superb aerial views from Britain From Above. www.britainfromabove.org.uk  

The Unity Remembered

Thank you to Mike Head for todays post

I first went into the 'Unity' in August 1967, in fact it was the first pub in Hyde that I went in. I had just joined the Cheshire Constabulary and after basic training I was stationed in Hyde my first lodgings being in Chapel Street. Jenny and Charlie made me very welcome and I found it a very comfortable and friendly place. I am from Cumbria so whenever friends and family came to visit the 'Unity' was the place to go, many a good session was had there. My first house on getting married was in Dukinfield but the 'Unity' was still the local. I then moved to Gee Cross into the Police Houses that were on Spring Avenue and maintained the 'Unity' as the local pub. I well remember Charlie playing the 'Dambusters' on the electronic organ and the waiter service that they had there. When I re-married in 1975 my wife, also named Jenny and myself worked behind the bar in the 'Unity', in fact we had our wedding reception in there. We have very fond memories of the people who worked and were customers of the 'Unity'. The last time we saw Win and Ken Smith was in the 'Buxton' in Gee Cross when they sadly informed us that Jenny had passed away. We now live back in Workington, Cumbria and the last few times that I have been in the 'Unity' it certainly wasn't the pub that it used to be but sadly that applies to most licensed premises these days.

Aerial Views of Hyde

Aerial Views of Hyde, from Britain From Above another great image that I've been able to crop and share with all today. These pictures are dated 1935

No matter where you live the pictures from this site are fantastic and well worth seeking out.

Joseph Adamson and Company was at one time known the world over for their engineering skills and products. Boiler making was just one of their products. Joseph's uncle Daniel Adamson was a founder of the Manchester Ship Canal. Joseph Adamson's name lives on in Adamson Industrial Estate. Above Adamsons can be seen the railway sidings, I'm sure it was a coal yard. Railway Street is running across the top of the picture where centre top can be seen the Co-Op buildings. Back to bottom left we see Raglan Street.

Bottom right is Providence Mill off Alexandra Street.This Mill was built by Dean and Tinker who were Millwrights ,Engineers and Iron Founders of the Eagle Ironworks in Stalybridge. After the death of Mr Tinker in 1867, and with the building unfinished ,the building was put up for auction and was consequently bought by Robert Walker & Sons. It wasn't in operation until approximately 1869 because of ongoing building work..Disaster struck the Mill in 1886 when fire devastated the main building. As good fortune would have it the Mill was covered by insurance as the estimated damage was estimated at £25,000 - £30,000 - a fortune by that eras standards. The wrecked building was reopened in 1887 and included more modern such as electric lighting which was installed by Hydes specialist firm Stanley & Davis.

In 1890 a PLC was formed - Robert Walker & Sons Ltd . The new company specialised in production of of twist yarns and remained as such until 1920 when Providence Mills (Hyde)Ltd was formed. This company was in operation for only a matter of years and after it had been closed for a while it was taken over in 1927 by Scottish Artificial Silks Ltd. This lasted until 1933. A textile firm J & H Schofield were the next occupiers of the Mill until it was leased by Ashton Brothers in 1939. It is not known at what date Ashton Brothers ceased to use the mill. It is now in multiple firm occupation amongst which is a furniture retailer..

Thanks to Ian Haynes for the information above.
Much appreciated. 

Bottom left is Croft St Railway Bridge,and further up the road is the Railway Street, Croft Street and Albert Road. Bottom centre can be seen the Bowling Green of The Hyde Club. We have featured the club in a previous posting and Bill Lancashire left a very informative comment.

"I was a member of The Hyde Club for several years. It is also known as The Gentleman's Club and also The Top Club. It was never a Tory Club though and is non-political. It was founded in the early 1890's as a social club for the gentry of the town. There are a lot of big, imposing houses in the close vicinity. The bricked up door you see in the middle of the wall was the original entrance that led to a lobby separating the card/social room on the right from the snooker room on the left. The new entrance is now on the left of the building The snooker room has two tables and the social room has some wonderful old card tables and wooden chairs that look as though they have been there since the club was first formed. At the back is a super bowling green. Sadly, the area where the club is located has become less popular for well-off residents and also the drink drive laws discourage trade. The membership role is dwindling year by year. Nevertheless it is still a great place to visit if you ever get an opportunity" Thanks Bill.

Above the club we can make out the clinic on Parsonage Street, The building of Parsonage Street Clinic was commenced on July 27th 1923 . It was originally built as a Children's Welfare Clinic and was opened by The Rev.Henry Enfield Dowson on the 6th May 1924. Generations of Hyde children came to this clinic to be weighed, have injections for childhood diseases or simply brought by their mothers for advice on their welfare.

Bottom Right can be seen St. Georges School buildings and playground. Nelson Street Fields can be seen middle right... to the left of the fields in Slack mill/James Norths I can make out the Ring O Bells pub and above that, top right is Peel Street/Grange Road. Top left is Walker Lane.. looking very much a like a lane and not a road.

Centre middle Ring O Bells, to the right the Clarkes Arms, Zion Church Peels Street and Grange Road, centre right Hyde Hospital with Bears Wood running behind it. Donald Avenue and Coombes Avenues to the left. In the centre I can just make out part of Green Lane. Top left but out of focus is Godly Junction or part of it anyway

The road snaking it's way from top to bottom is the A57 Mottram Road, centre left I can make out Hyde Lads Club,Lumb Hollow at the bottom of Ridling Lane, I can just make out Leigh Street School, and of course Ewen Fields Hyde's Football Ground. Centre right top... is Mottram Road's junction with Sheffield Road. Just above the junction we see the arches at Godley.

Bottom left is Sheffield Road, Mottram Road junction and Godley arches, and Godley Hill The sand pits /quarry and the fields beyond. Just before the second bend on Mottram Road, Pudding Lane can be seen wandering off to the right. That view is beyond recognition now.

Hyde Town Centre, Town Hall, Market Square, Fire Station, complete with tower, the Ambulance Station, Theatre Royal, Bottom left Cross Street, where the road disappears from view, is what I remember as Brooke's Warehouse, that was on Water Street. next to it was the old Water Street School building, with the terraces rows of Milk Street and Port Street. Above them the Old Super Market. Above the market, with Norbury Street and Helen Street. Top centre left, I can just make out the Queens, with Hoviley Brow bearing left. Top right we see Hyde lads club. On this picture and on picture 5, I have notice just how of the shops had the pull down awnings. If you look on the left of Market Place we can see them, on picture 5 it is top top of Market Street. Rarely see them any more.

Bottom Left George Street and Charles Street. Then we have Clarendon Street, Hamnett Street, John Street and Russell Street, all cut in half by Beech Street. If we go down George Street I can just make out where it is joined by Lewis Street. At the top of Lewis Street is the Tramshed Just as George Street bends it is joined by Cheapside, across from that we have The Talbot pub, the road then turns to Commercial Street.

Ashton Brothers on Newton Street Carrfield and Bayley Field Mills were built by Mr. Thomas Ashton (senior). Above the mill buildings is Park Road and top left is Hyde Park Woods. Clarendon Street and Clarendon Road junction and the bridge. Print works to the right of Clarendon and to the left of it is the Grammar School.

Top left, The trees in Newton Hollow, and the start of Dukinfield Road. The mill is the now demolished Caxton Works, at one time home to Cartwright and Rattray Ltd, one of the largest firms Printing, Publishing, and Manufacturing Stationers in the North. Mary Street, runs up the back of the works. The rows of houses are on Edward Street, Robert Street, Catherine Street, and Elizabeth Street. George Street can be seen cutting the streets in half. Under the rows of houses we see the Railway Lines, with the Manchester Road train bridge to the far right. Follow Manchester Road to bottom left we can see the Wellington Pub, and across The White Gates. with Mill Lane running towards middle of picture. Read Street next to the fields, running Parallel with Read Street is Manchester Street, now named Frances Street.. The road cutting through those streets is Rhode Street. Alfred Street is running back up to Manchester Road where we can make out The Botanical Club. Across the road is Ann Street and further up is Cooper Street.   

Bottom left we see Park Road, Clarendon Road, and Clarendon Street The Grammar school middle left, bottom right is the printworks. Top right are the railway arches near Sammy's Pit.. Newton Station can just be made out. and Bottom and Top rows

I like this view of Hyde showing the A57 making it's way through the town to the countryside beyond.

Harrop Edge

A quick post today due to hospital and doctors appointments,

I've spent many hours on those hills, Harrop Edge is a fine place to walk around and look back upon Werneth Low. Further on Hobson Moor... what lovely walks to be found around there. 

Haughton Street

Today's picture of Haughton Street came by email from Andrea, this is what she wrote.

"I came across this picture while visiting my dad in Wales recently. My younger brother Andrew is on the front of the 'bogey' being guided by Pat Kelly. The picture was taken on Haughton Street, you can see the Bush Inn on the corner and Kay's sweet shop opposite. I think the white building next to Kay's was the Cheshire Laundry company. I am not sure who else is in the picture.  Happy days."

TThank you Andrea, this is just the kind of picture I like to find in our emails... social history at its best, friends playing out in the street with a bogie... shops in the background, the Bush Inn to the right and just look at that van from Beanstalks... 

This must be very early 1970s looking at how Pat is dressed and his haircut. I've known Pat from around the time this picture seems to have been taken. When I worked on the door at Lowry's in the 80s Pat once turned up at the door but could not get in because he was wearing a v-neck jumper... it was a time when the lads had to wear a collar to get in, I told him to come back with a collar on and he could come in... a while after he came back with a red patterned shirt collar showing.. he was let in . As he was walking past I noticed it was not a patterned shirt at all, Pat had left the door and cut through the bus station to the Sylet Indian Restaurant, he went in and grabbed a few of their serviettes.. Red with their logo on... He'd folded them in a way to make them look like a shirt collar... I'm happy to say it paid off... and in a week a two the wearing a collar rule was rightly abandoned.

  

Plans for a 'Bogie'

I used an urban dictionary to check the correct spelling of the above and found out the other Bogey is described thus "A dried and usually tasty snack to be found in ones nasal passage." 

Mottram Church

Two Etchings dated 1795 of Motrram Church

This is what Thomas Middleton wrote in The History Of Hyde

The old Church at Mottram is dedicated to St. Michael. It is said that the stone of which the fabric is composed came from the neighbouring township of Tintwistle. The church (with the village clustering beneath it) is situated on a hill about 750 feet high, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. It is a rugged looking old pile, and has not inaptly been defined as the Cathedral of East Cheshire. Mottram Church is first mentioned in 1291, but the present body and chancel of the edifice were erected, on the site of a former building, in the 14^th century. The tower was built sometime after that date. Funds for the erection of the tower were left by Sir Ed. Shaa, the Lord Mayor of London, mentioned in Richard III. The church contains two private chapels. One on the south side formerly belonged to the Earls of Stamford and Warrington, but passed, with the sale of the Hattersley Manor, to the late J. Chapman, Esq., of Hill End. That on the north was known as the Hollingworth Chapel, and appertained to the old De Hollyngworthe family. After the death of Captain De Hollyngworthe, it was sold by his executors to E. H. Shellard, Esq., from whom it passed to Mr. J. Wood, of Arden, and was purchased from the executors of that gentleman by Canon Miller; who, being anxious to place the organ in it, made over his personal rights to the parishioners for ever The parishioners possess also, by faculty, the right to an open roadway through the chapel to the parish vestry and to the Communion Table.

One of the most ancient monuments in the Church is an effigy of a knight and his lady, perpetuating—according to tradition—the memory of Sir Ralph edifice were erected, on the site of a former building, in the 14^th century. The tower was built some time after that date. Funds for the erection of the tower were left by Sir Ed. Shaa, the Lord Mayor of London, mentioned in Richard III. The church contains two private chapels. One on the south side formerly belonged to the Earls of Stamford and Warrington, but passed, with the sale of the Hattersley Manor, to the late J. Chapman, Esq., of Hill End. That on the north was known as the Hollingworth Chapel, and appertained to the old De Hollyngworthe family. After the death of Captain De Hollyngworthe, it was sold by his executors to E. H. Shellard, Esq., from whom it passed to Mr. J. Wood, of Arden, and was purchased from the executors of that gentleman by Canon Miller; who, being anxious to place the organ in it, made over his personal rights to the parishioners for ever The parishioners possess also, by faculty, the right to an open roadway through the chapel to the parish vestry and to the Communion Table

I'll end with this one which I took November 2008

Hyde Hall Farm

Engraving of the Hyde estate from 1794

A work entitled " Cheshire ; Topographical, Historical, and Descriptive," published so late as 1818, describes the scene as follows :

" Hyde Hall, the seat of Geo. Hyde Clark, Esq., a branch of the Clarendon family, is situated in a romantic spot on the banks of a small river, and surrounded with bold swelling eminences gradually sloping to the water's edge. The house is an ancient brick edifice, repaired, with a plain front. It contains several good paintings and among others an original whole length of the great Earl of Clarendon. At a little distance from the house is a neat bridge of one arch, built a few years since for the accommodation of those who frequent the valuable coal mines that are worked on this estate, which includes both sides of the Tame. A weir on the Lancashire side, formed to supply a water engine, causes the river above it to assume the appearance of a large lake, which with the cascade produced by the falling of the waters in a broad sheet to a considerable depth, adds great interest to the surrounding scenery. The grounds are tolerably well wooded and the general character of the seat is picturesque and elegant."

 Such a good quality picture I have been able to crop certain parts to show the detail in all it's glory. 

Little of the authentic character can be seen respecting the early history of Hyde Hall. Like most other manor houses in the vicinity it was evidently the successor of an earlier structure built upon the same site. Old chronicles show the family of Hydes to have been settled here from a very early date, and it is only reasonable to suppose that they dwelt in a house suitable to their rank and position. There are traditions which claim that one Lord Matthew de Hyde erected a castle in these parts as far back as the 12th century.

Thomas Middleton wrote "The hall appears to have been built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and to have been re-built about the time of the Restoration. It continued to be the residence of the manorial lords of Hyde, until it was disposed of to the Fultons, of Fulton, in Lancashire. It was demolished in the year 1857."

It is said that the lords of the manor of Hyde lived here in the fine old English style, dispersing their hospitality in a regal manner, holding "brilliant entertainments " and " courtly " family gatherings. It is also a popular rumour that Queen Anne first saw light in Hyde Hall, and it is claimed as a fact that the two princesses of James Hyde, frequently came down to the hall, on long visits to their relatives at Hyde.

On the left is the Corn Mill, which looks to have had 3 water wheels.

Butterworth, the historian, worte:

 "Betwixt the bridge and the house is a mill for grinding corn, for the use of which is a weir which throws a broad sheet of water to a considerable depth below, where it has worked a hole many yards deep and wide ; the appearance and noise of this cascade have a romantic effect  and the river below, for half a mile, is made to appear like a lake, forming a fine piece of water well stocked with trout and eels. On each side of the river downwards from the gardens, are high banks well wooded, in which the river is lost for some space and then seen again."

Two hundred years ago, Longhorns were the most popular cattle in Cheshire. In the early eighteenth century, the ideas of Jethro Tull and Charles "Turnip" Townshend were increasing crop yields and introducing root crops for winter fodder. Once farmers could overwinter their cattle, instead of having to slaughter most of them in the autumn, they experimented with selective breeding to improve their stock

Around 1793, George Hyde Clarke built Clarke's Bridge over the river Tame at the bottom of Mill Lane This original bridge with its single arch suffered  seriously damaged, by the great flood of 17 August 1799. A record of the flood is still kept in the Tame Valley at Gibraltar, a large stone showing the flood mark taken from the waterside of the old Gib Mill which states the following  "Flood Mark, August 17th, 1799," The present bridge on Mill Lane was built in 1895. 

How the area look in 1935

Holy Trinity Class Of ??

Today's post is from Peter Simpson

Back from L-R: Peter Rowland, Ian Wood, Jennifer Mellor, Gillian Hannam, Hilary Shaw, ?John Jackson, Dennis Jacks

Middle: Richard Thompson, Brian Dean, John Saxon, Tony Husband, David hall, Peter Simpson

Front: Mandy Pickup, ?Daryl Booth, Janet Palfreyman, Margaret Robinson, Mary Mansfield, Heather Livesey, Sheila Titterington

As usual, no names or dates on back of picture so I have dredged the names up from memory. Hope I've got them all right.  I would love to hear from any of the gang.

Peter can be contacted on Facebook or Email.

Cheers Peter Simpson

Email address on request .

Castle Street Revisited

Carrying on from yesterdays post with this picture sent in by David,  I've taken the liberty of showing a few snippets from the original.

The road the lady in the picture is walking up is Sheffield Road, I never realised Sheffield Road actually starts opposite the Railway Pub where the paper shop is on Commercial Brow.

Looks like a BSA motorbike, any thoughts on it anybody.

Castle Street View

Thank you to Chris for today's post.

I believe the photo was taken around the 1960's from Castle Street  on the approach to Newton Station. In the foreground we see the roofs of the houses on Bottom Street, the old chimney of North's Tannery Mill, and just visible behind the chimney is Bottom Row.

I personally love this part of Hyde, or 'Lost Hyde' as I like to call it, as this severed part of Sheffield Road, which is visible in the photo, is relatively untouched, and it's cobbles remain untarmac'd and quite well preserved for it's full length.

Request For Our Help

We get many emails asking for help like this but normally we don't have the time to do much more than point folk to Tameside Archive Centre... This one however came at just the right time where it found me stuck in the house as I was not up to getting out. I thought I'd give this one a go and see what we can come up with. Here's the request.

     "My Gran grew up in and around Hyde. Originally called 'Nessie' Turner she married a Rupert Lawler and lived in Hyde. I believe there is a 1901 entry in the census which finds her living in the big house by Captain Clark's Bridge. My mum told me that they had lived (in the 30's,40's,50's?) opposite the cricket ground on Werneth Low. Her name was Margaret Lawler and she had a brother Peter and sister Barbara. Apparently I was conceived behind the cricket pavilion in August 1953! and was born in Hyde Hospital. Mum, Gran and I moved down to Worthing in 1956 when Gran retired from her teaching post at St George's School. I visited the area once with Mum in about 1959 but don't remember anything about it other than the densely packed streets.

As my son is now considering Manchester University, I brought him up for a tour of it and after we came to try to retrace my roots. I found Captain Clark's bridge but couldn't really see much of the house as it was obscured by trees and bushes. We came up to Werneth Low (which, incidentally, was the name of my Gran's bungalow in Worthing) and visited the cricket ground. A kind gentleman, who I believe works there, showed me into the new pavilion but couldn't locate a photo of the original one.

I have just spent several hours going backwards through your fascinating blog and have arrived at November 2011.

Does anyone have any recollections or pictures of Mrs Lawler/Turner as a teacher at St George's?

Does anyone remember Margaret ( my Mum), Peter or Barbara Lawler or their father Rupert?

Could it be that they lived in one of the cottages at the top of Werneth Low?

Does anyone have any photos of the old cricket pavilion?

Are there any photos of St. George's classes from the 40's when Mum was there?

Mum said she went to a Convent school, was it in or near Hyde? Does anyone have any information about it?

I started reading your blog imagining I would be here for a few minutes, that was five hours ago! Thank you for starting to fill in some gaps in my family history.

Thank you Mike"

I think it is safe to say the convent school is Harrytown in Romiley, hopefully we have readers who recall the family.. I do hope we can help with this.

Talbot Road, Victoria Street And Lodge Lane Junction

Another aerial view this time showing Lodge Lane bottom/middle, to the left is Bagshaw St, Coming in from the middle left is Talbot Rd, and top/right is Victoria St. 

 

Close up of the junction showing the familiar frontage of Newton Mill and across in the trees is Bradley House.

The road is Talbot Road with Bluebell Reservoir to the left, and another unnamed reservoir to the right. On the 1887 map the area is marked as Ham Hill, the road that is there now is Hamel Street. Top right is Holland Rd and Manor Rd, I can just make out my house. 

 

Bottom/left is Clarence St showing the newly built homes on the right, the large row of stone cottages to the left are shown as Chapel Row on the 1887 map.  Garden Street is on the left and the center of the picture is what is know as Garden Street Playing fields, At the end of Garden St is a pathway across the field from left to right...that was known as Sawyer Brow. It comes out onto Victoria Street. From that end of the brow comes another road, which was called Forest Street, the area to the right of this road is marked as Dolls-ith-hole. The factory on the right of Victoria St could be Newton Iron Works, Mechanical Engineering. I'd be interested to know if that's correct. To the right of the factory was an area called Strawberryhill. which lives on as a name plaque on the two house across Victoria Road seen below.

The wall plaque says Strawberry Hill 1857