A View Of Gee Cross

This is a view from Gower Hey House, looking over towards Gee Cross taken in 1914. In the year 1795 a book called “Forty Miles Round Manchester” the author “Aikins” said that Gee Cross was like a 'little town'. In 1800’s Gee Cross was known for it’s country fairs, folk came from miles around, these fairs could be very rough at times with many fights breaking out. Gee Cross was home to quite a few rouges and vagabonds, and it’s reputation was very bad…. And now??? Well nowts changed really ;o) ha!

Gower Hey House stood just behind where the gardens of the houses on Balmoral Avenue stands today. This is it in present day. Now it is two semi detached houses.

This is a stunning view of Hyde Chapel

Bankfield Hotel

Thomas Middleton in his book The History Of Hyde said that most of the inns of Hyde had been either rebuilt, or had new fronts fitted, and were quite different in appearance to the old inns of his generations forefathers. One such inn was the Bankfield. The old Bankfield on Mottram New Road was a much less pretentious structure than the modern hotel standing on the same site and shown above. It was famous for its pleasure gardens which were known as Bowker’s Gardens, from the fact that Joshua Bowker was the proprietor. The gardens became a popular resort for the people of Hyde and surrounding townships. A band pavilion stood in the gardens, and in front of it was a spacious platform for dancing. At nights there were balloon ascents and illuminations, and the place was run as a sort of miniature Belle Vue.

On the brook side behind the Bankfield Hotal and Bankfield Terrace, there stood for about an hundred years a Bone Mill, this mill was erected about the end of the 18th century, by Mr. Randal Hibbert; it had a picturesque appearance, which was enhanced by the lake-like reservoir behind it; and at one time it was a very busy place. It was demolished by the Calico Printers’ Association, about the year 1903. Randal Hibbert built Boston Mills, and it was at these mills that the Ashton’s first began cotton spinning.

Alas this is another of Hydes lost inns now... it is such a shame but Hyde just cannot support the pub trade like it once did. There's two terracotta panels on the side of this building one on each of the chimney supporting walls..... these relate to the now defunct 'Kays' Atlas Brewery of Ardwick.

Gibraltar Row

Gib Row... these were at the bottom of Apethorn Lane... you had to go through the aquaduct to get to these... or cross the 'Green Bridge' over the canal and then take the steps down. I remember the old Gib mill being worked, and I recall these being pulled down... but cannot recall when that was. I know that long after they had gone a lady would walk past the back of our house on Cheetham Fold, cross the train lines by the 'Level Crossing.. walk past Thislefields and take the track at the side of the cottages there, which lead you under the main train line and towards the aquaduct to visit this spot. Sometimes she would come every evening around 7 o-clock or so... other time she would go weeks without coming past. If I was playing on the fields or the train lines near to the level crossing she would always say hello, smile and give me a mint. She was a nice lady but always looked sad... my mum and dad knew her and said she used to live in Gib Row and missed the place... I always thought there was more to the story but never got to find it out.

My neighbour Ray used to live in one of these... I know he looks in now and then, hopefully he might be able to tell me about this row and who lived here..

WW1 Star Medal Pte. G. Andrew

This is on sale now on Ebay... I came across it while looking for some postcards... the seller comes from Skegness . It states this a Genuine full size Star Medal from WW1 1914-15.. and was awarded to 8767 PTE G ANDREW CHESHIRE REGIMENT. It say that Pte. Andrew lived at 69 George Street, Hyde. If you think you know anything about this chap or his relatives it might be worth letting them know it is up for sale... I have looked in the book we are showing but can not find anything about him.. his name will proberly be in Book 2 which we have not got a copy of.
I do find it sad to see medals up for sale, I hope it can find it's way home again.

Hyde Chapel, Choir Sermons, 1939

Hopefully this will be of interest to some... Hyde Chapel holds many memories to some that look in on here I know... I grew up looking at it most days while to and from Enfield Street school and then later in life sat across from it on the Grapes Bench.

This is also the first thing I have come across that was printed by Cartwright & Rattray Ltd, Caxton Press Hyde... The building as only recently been pulled down... it was a cracking building with some stunning features to it. I must do a post about this company and the building..... as always if you have pictures or info we could show here .... please get in touch. Gerald England from Hyde Daily Photo has a series of posts showing
Caxton Mill being demolished... well worth looking at.

Market St / Edna Street Corner

This shows the Market St and Edna St junction circa 1950's. The Cheshire Cheese pub is evident ,middle right, by the large sign on the roof. There was also a toy shop called Lee's , a laundrette and a bakers ,amongst other shops. Note the distinct lack of traffic. Maybe it was a sunday or a tuesday afternoon ,which was half day closing in Hyde. Lees toy shop was a veritable delight to me as a young child.Two windows of wonderment! :D



This shows the Market St and Edna St junction in 2010. Note that the laundrette is still there, one of just a few remaining laundrys in the area. The toy shop has long gone, to be replaced by a specialised sportswear shop, formerly Ron Hills shop, "Running Wild". The Cheshire Cheese pub has also closed with a Takeaway /Cafe called "The Cheshire Grill" now in its place.

Hyde Pubs that have closed since 1904

This was sent to us by Dave and Beryl Williams and I thought it deserved to be posted as it was so everyone could read it unabridged! Thanks so much for this, Dave and Beryl! Very interesting indeed!
We shall be featuring some of the "lost pubs" in the very near future as we sort out the photos we have of them. Keep watching :)

Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Page25-26

RECRUITING SCHEMES.

Numbering
The People.

In 1915 Parliament passed the Nation registration Act, under which every person in the United Kingdom between the ages of 15 and 65, except members of the Navy and Army, was required to fill up a registration form on August 15th of that year. The information required on the forms related to age, residence, married or single, number of children dependent, occupation, name of employer, whether skilled in any work other that on which employed, etc. the Act resulted in the getting together of a vast amount of useful information. In the Borough of Hyde the work was done under the supervision of the Town Clark (Mr. Thos. Brownson, B.A.), with the Chief Assistant Overseer (Mr. W. Oldham) as his principle colleague. There were 150 enumerators, who delivered and collected the forms, and explained as far as possible any point on which there was any doubt. The work of the enumerators was completed about the middle of August. There were 8,395 dwelling-houses in the borough, and 10,628 males and 13,320 females filled in the registration forms. After being collected, the forms were taken to the Town Hall, where they passed through several courses of examination, much classifying being necessary. In addition to the enumerators, there were many helpers in the work at the Town Hall; all the work was done voluntarily, and among those who assisted were numerous headmasters and teachers of the Day Schools of the borough.
The following is a list of helpers in the work in the Town Hall: Messrs. E. Edge, V. Edge, J. Bowker, W. Ardern, F. E. Wood, A. W. Jennett, J. Bowden, W. Hudson. H. Wrigley, G. W. Oldham, H. Craven, C. H. Burden, H. Loch, A. Mercer, A. Saxon, A. Wilkinson, G. Fox, B. Garside, W. Scott, J. D. Nuttall, R. Brownson, J. Harrison, J. W. Wake, R. P. Hitchen, H. Cann, R. Howarth, C. T. Billinge, A. Cash, J. Heaton, F. Shepley; Mrs. Andrew, Mrs. Buzza, Misses Brownson, Kent, Coope, Wrigley, Clarke, Cordingley, A. Farrington, E. Farrington, N. Singleton, K. Broderick, M. Banks, S. Kerfoot, L. Wragg, H. Hall. G, Hall. Tweedale, Bowker, Wood, Wilkinson, B. Cash, B, Dawson, S. Hibbert, Mrs. C. T. Billinge.
The following is a list of enumerators: - Mesdames Mirfin, E. Swinfin, C. J. Robinson, H. Andrew, A. Buzza, Jessie Beeley; Misses M. Gott, J. Crotty, Reynolds, E. Minshall, E. Kent, M. Dunlop, A. Clarke, Tweedale, M. Hall, S. E. Rowland, A. Philips, A. Wilkinson, E. Mattin, K. Broderick, M. Banks, B. Dawson, Constance Elias, E. Middleton, M. Savidge, L. Lea, C. Wildgoose, G. Silver, E. Quayle, B. Turner, E. A. Harrison, E. Booth, E. Clarke, F. Bagshaw, A. Kershaw, N. Singleton, B. Cash, B. K. Dixon, S. Kerfoot, F. Hallworth, F. Williamson, B. Mycock, B. Jones, Irene Mycock, L. Wragg, F. Baguley, E. Pect, E. Herod, A. Coope, M. Little, E. Farrington, N. Bradbury, F. E. Skinner, A. Farrington, E. Nichols, Cordingley, E. Bowker, and Priestley; Messrs. F. Howarth, R. Hitchen, A. W. Jennett, A. W. Parker, Oswald Bardsley, Howard Wrigley, G. H. Purssglove, J. Chadwick, John Axon, N. Ridgway, John Dixon, John Vickers, E. J. Cobbett, Mark Devlin, P. Scholes, G. W. Sutton. Ephriam Lewis, James Molesdale, F. Brown, Jos. Marshall, R. Howarth, C. Beeley, J. H. Stafford, G. W. Davidson, A. Saxton, B. Hibbert, Wm. Barker, Austin Gregory, Wm. Lord, J. Proctor, John, Chorton, H. Linney, R. Gatley, J. Proctor, Alfred Firth., Jas Morris, James Hogg, George Fox, J. W. Vickers, Van Aalten, G. H. Nichols, J. Wilding, E. W. Crossland, A. E. Searle, Sergeant. Robert Atkinson, Inspector W. Moore, Rev. Chaplin Wilkinson, Walter Gee, Thomas Swindells, H. Fisher, J. Bowden, J. W. Wake, H. Denerley, H.C. Buttery, Frank Bardsley, T. B. Dawson, G. Spencer, H.V. Hird, W. W. Kenyon, R. W. Andrew, Harry Wild, Joseph Whitehead, F. Torkington, Thomas Thompson, George H. Oulton, Frank Whalley, Walter Scott, Tom Cooper, W. J. B. Ford, Chas H. Walmsley, Geo. Hopwood, Samuel Leigh, P. Barber, A. W. Leech, T. Horrocks, S. Redfern, John Cross, G. Wild, F. Cowling, C. H. Alty, G. W. Oldham, A. Timperley, George Brooks, F. E. Wood, A. Mercer, Councillor T. Middleton, R. Gregory, Joseph Harrison, J. Bowker, J. D. Nuttall, Wm. Spiller, Councillor Jas. Hibbert, B. Craig

THE DERBY SCHEME. - A GROUP OF CANVASSERS.

Front row: Messrs. J. T. Cartwright, M. Hallas, F. E. Wood, S, Evens (Ald.) H. Brooke, J. Singleton.
Back row: Messrs. J. H. Hall, W, Shaw, J. McDiarmid, B. Hibbert, J. Kempster.

Photo, Searle, Hyde.

Looking up Stockport Road.

This is the view looking up Stockport Road at the junction with Knight Street circa 1910. The shop on the corner was at one point owned by a Mr Charles Lyons. It stood there until the mid 1970's when it was turned into a house. My Friend lived there and they still had the original signs for the shop in the cellar! I wonder what happened to them! There also used to be a Newsagents , a wool shop and a DIY type shop further up the row. Such a shame the shops closed down as a bit of the community disappeared with them.
On Tithe maps of 1836-51 this particular piece of land was owned by Edward Hyde Clarke.

Not changed a great deal in this 2010 photo. The shop / house is now flats. The garden wall on the right of the 1910 picture was the wall to Silver Hill House. This wall is gone but there is a house called Silver hill still standing. This was a Nursery for many years.The shop further up on the left ,which was Hursts Newsagents for approximately 20 years, is now in the process of being changed back into a "paper shop" after being closed for a couple of years.... and not before time either! There is a Hairdressers next door,also.
I have to say it looks nicer on the 1910 picture with the cobbled streets - tarmac isn't quite the same :)

Hyde In War Time (1914-16) Pages23-24

CHAPTER IV.

Rallying under the Standard.
Recruiting Schemes.

HISTORIC SCENE
IN COUNCIL
CHAMBER.

On Monday, 9th November. 1914 a scene unique in its character and surroundings was witnessed in the Hyde Council Chamber. At the call of the newly elected Mayor (Councillor Stanley Welch), the crowded assembly rose and sang "God Save the King" Probably this was the first occasion in the history of the Corporation that the National Anthem had been sung during the Council proceedings.

SEVENTY
PATRIOTS MOUNT
THE PLATFORM.

One of the most memorable meetings in the history of Hyde took place in the new Public Hall, on the evening of Monday, 4th January, 1915. It was a recruiting meeting, and the principal speaker was Mr. Will Crooks, the Labour M.P. for Woolwich, whose speech will never be forgotten. The Mayor (Councillor Welch) was the Chairman. On the platform was a numerous assembly of local Aldermen Counsellor, Magistrates, Employers of labour, and other prominent townsmen. It had been intimated that only very limited accommodation for ladies would be available, and with the exception of forty to fifty, the crowded audience, numbering considerably over a thousand, consisted solely of men. In a telegram to the Mayor, which was read to the meeting, Mr. Leadbitter Knott, who at that time was in military training preparing to go to the front, said: "I am sure Hyde will give place to none in the courage and patriotism of its young mem." While the speech was not without humour, there was in it intense patriotism, tremendous seriousness, and an imperial breadth that completely captured the imagination of the audienc. Mr. Crooks had twice been round the world, and he roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm in speaking of the strong brotherly feeling he had met with in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where he had come across men from the "Old Country." in industrial centres on the prairie, in lumber camps, in the neighbourhood of the "Rockies." etc. He had found the Union Jack flying on shacks, tents, bungalows, and in camps; and in out-of-the-way places there had fallen upon his ears such music as "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.“ There are few men in the Country who have experienced the many classes of which the British Empire is composed, to a greater expect than Mr. Crooks, who was born in poor surroundings, was brought up in a Poor Law institution, and twelve months after his visit to Hyde was honoured by the King in being created a Privy Councillor. His concluding remarks are well worth placing upon a Permanent record. "God never gave to man or women an opportunity but He meant it as an obligation," he said. "What is the, first law Of life ? Duty ! Shirk it if you dare. The Kaiser has outraged every canon of decency, and it remains for us to deal with him. Every phase of our public life in serving in the fight. The Duchess of Westminster, the Duchess of Sutherland, and many an aristocratic lady, has gone to nurse and succour our soldiers; they are serving their day and generation as they ought; so is ‘Tommy’s wife in remaining at home and looking after ‘Tommy’s’ little ones. She is doing her best. . . . Love of home is the inspiration that enables our men to fight and work. We are fighting for our wives, our children, and our homes. Everyone who enlists now will save three men from death” At the close of Mr. Crook’s historic speech, the Mayor made a strong appeal for everyone of military age to join the Army at once. There was a splendid response, between sixty and seventy men immediately coming forward and offering themselves, and they went on the platform and stood in line at the rear. Three lusty cheers were given for the recruits, and the Denton Original Band “Tipperary,” the scene being of a most rousing character. This meeting resulted in the immediate addition of about a hundred to the recruits from the town.

THE DERBY SCHEME - AN ENERGETIC COMMITTEE.

Front row: Miss P. Kerfoot (Typist for Committee), Messrs. (Cr.) J. Parry, (Ald.) T. Perrin J.P., A. A. Smith (Hon Secretary), A. Slater (Hon. Secretary), J. Hall Brooks, A. Williamson, J.P., and Miss A. Buckley (Typist for Committee.)
Back row: Messrs. W. Redfern, C.H. Brogdon, F.A.I., J. Diggle, A.M.I.C.E., J. Wilding, (Cr.) W. Pope. (Ald.) L. Kenny, J.P., W. Oldham.
Photo, Searle, Hyde.

Cooper Street (Disappeared Streets 5)

Cooper Street stood just off Manchester Road. It disappeared around the time that Automasters built their new premises circa 1960's .
Edit:
Some information we've found states that Auto Masters front entrance was "Hewitt Street" but there's no mention of "Hewitt Street" on the old maps we have. Can anyone shed any light on this mystery for us?




This map shows it's locaction in 1910


This map from 2008 shows it as the entrance to Auto Masters .

Auto Masters has since been demolished to make way for a new Housing estate built by Morris Homes. Maybe we'll see the name Cooper Street make a comback as one of the new streets on here, although I doubt it as it wouldn't really fit in with names like "Moorside Place". Shame !

Bay Horse, Corner Of Talbot Rd, Matley Lane

Not changed very much on the outside at all... it as been quite a while since I had a pint in here, I must put that right soon. I noticed they have good deals on their food as well... all in all this as always been a good pub with a good reputation and their bonfires nights are excellent.

Hyde in War Time (1914-16) Page22

HYDE RIFLE CLUB - MEMBERS AT DRILL.

Front row: Messrs. I. Slater, F. Beard A. Bancroft, J. Wilson, J. Cross, W. Stopford, B. Davenport,
At back: Messrs. J. H. Hamer, C, Lisle, J. Handforth, H. Starkie, A. E. Searle, T. Dean, R. Broadbent, R. Brownson, G. T. Gore, H. Wilde, R. Whistlecroft, R. Lodge, H. Hadley J. Smith, F. Whalley, J. Grundy, A. Hall, W, Schofield, J. S. Jackson, H. Williams, H. Dawson , J. W. Lord,. Standing in the rear: Mr. T. Victor, Commander of the Drill Section.

Photographed at the Headquarters, Greenfield Mill. Photo by A. E. Searle, Hyde.

After the local Reservists and Territorials had left the town recruiting for Kitchener’s Army proceeded with briskness. There also arose several Training Corps, which did good work prior to the formation of the Hyde Volunteer Corps, which absorbed the older organisations. The Rifle Club came into being in 1914, with a membership of 75, which rapidly increased till it reached a total of over 300. The Old Greenfield Mill had been kindly placed at the disposal of the members, and here, on the ground floor, gathered an enthusiastic body townsmen who, energetically drilled under Mr. T. Victor, whilst the first floor was utilised as a miniature rifle range on which good rifle practice was obtained. The officials were: President, Lieut. Dr J. A. Watts, Chairman Mr. R. E. Jones, M.A., Secretaries, Messrs. B. Davenport and F. Beard, and Treasurer, Mr. Geo. F. Higham. The club was disbanded after the Annual Meeting, on September 30th 1915.

Cotton Mills Of Hyde

Hyde
CALICO PRINTERS

F. W. Ashton and Co, Newton Bank Print Works. Pay day first Wednesday, 10 to 4.

COTTON SPINNERS AND MANUFACTURERS

Apethorn Mills Co, Limited, Gee Cross; 40,000 spindles, 4011/601 weft. Pay day first Wednesday in the month, from 10 to 1. Robert Ogden, secretary.

Boy Workers Linnet Mill, Apethorn

Ashton Bro's. & Co, Limited, Carr Field, Bayley Field and Throstle Bank Mills; 114,580 spindles, 12/328 twist, 10115011 weft; 2,200 looms; and at Clough Mill, Hayfield. Manchester warehouse 36, Charlotte street. Pay day first Wednesday.

Ashton Brothers

Barnfield Mill Spinning Co, Limited, Woodend; 23,000 spindles, 5411/561 weft. Pay day first Wed.

Barnfield Mill

Gibraltar Mill Co, Limited, Gibraltar Mill; 28,674 spindles, 481 looms. Pay day first Wednesday. Telegrams, "Gibraltar Company, Hyde." James Pilling, manager; George Lock, secretary.

Gib Mill

Robert Hall and Son (and doublers), Kingston Mills; 75,500 spindles, 91/501 twist and weft; 999 looms, printers, domestics and double warp cloths; Manchester warehouses-25, George st., and 51, Mosley street. Pay day first Wednesday, 9-30 to 1.

Kingston Mill

Hibbert and Aspland, Green Croft Mill; 26,668 mule and 1,480 ring spindles, 141/341 twist,161/421 weft; 541 looms, domestics, shirtings, drills and twills. Pay day first Wednesday.

Greencroft Mill

Hibbert and Nephew, Millwood Mill; 16,700 spindles, 181/461 twist and weft; 270 looms, shirtings and printers. Pay day first Wednesday.
Horsfield and Co, Limited, Greenfield Mills; 26,000 spindles, 301 twist and weft; 451 looms, shirtings. Pay day first Wednesday. Richard Breerton, secretary.

Greenfield Mill - Middle of Picture

George Schofield and Co, Long Meadow Mill; 27,000 spindles, 241,/501, twist and weft. Pay day second Wednesday, 10 to 12.

Bare foot workers at Slack Mills

Slack Mills Co, Limited, Hyde lane; 58,892 spindles, 88/408 twist, 108/501, weft; 1,200 looms, domestics, shirting’s, sheeting’s, drills, printers and oatmeal. cloths, and at High Bank Mill, Godley. Pay day first Wednesday.

The above picture was thought to be Slack Mills, but that was my mistake..  looks very similar, but it turned out to be a different mill from another northen cotton town. Paul as found this mill and the town it is in... but we have both forgot where... once we do I will update this.. in the mean time I will leave the picture here and when a more suitable picture is found this will be removed along with this. I am sorry for any confusion caused.  Tom  

Robert Walker and Sons, Ltd, Providence Mill; 40,900 spindles, 208/408 ring and mule twist, 3081508 weft. Pay day first Wednesday. Telegrams, "Walker Sons, Hyde."

Godley.
COTTON SPINNERS AND MANUFACTURERS

Bucliley and Lees, High Street Mills; 18,000 spindles, 30'/508 twist; and at Spring Mill, Roaches, Mosley. Pay day second Wednesday.

Spinners

Slack Mills Co, Limited, 1. High Bank Mill, Godley. 7,388 spindles, 308/328 weft; and at Hyde lane, Hyde. Pay day first Wednesday.

Newton
COTTON SPINNERS AND MANUFACTURERS

James and John Ashton, of Newton Moor, Hyde and Lees Street, Mills; 1,200 /looms, printers and shirtings. Pay day first Wed., 10 to 12-30. John H. Ratcliffe, Johnson Brook Mill; 5,712 spindles, 12'/708 twist; and at Kinderlee ice, Charlesworth. of Newton Moor, Hyde

Shaw Hall Workers

Shaw Hall Cotton Spinning Co, Limited; of Newton Moor, Hyde. 28,692 spindles 33' twist, 36' weft. Pay day first Wed, 10 to 12.

=0=0=

After a hard shift in the mill the local Spinners and other workers would make use of the many pubs to quench their thirsts... and I suppose there was none as welcome to them as the one below.

The Spinners Arms, George Street.

Lumn Road / Back Lane Corner

This is a photo of the corner of Lumn road where it meets Stockport Road. It used to be known as Back Lane and the old Back Lane sign is evident on the first photo. I quite liked the "busyness" of this corner. The corner shop was owned by a lovely family called Booth - before that the owners were called Mr and Mrs Hayes. I was sent to this shop on many occasions as a child. I think the place is poorer for the loss of many corner shops which were the cornerstones of the community! The chip shop was called Pearl City. I remember it being known as "Macs" chippy before that and getting chips and gravy from it as a child.



This shows the same corner after the shop had shut down. It has now been made into flats - Although it's cleaner looking I think it's lost a bit of its charm (and the Back Lane sign).
The chip shop is still there. It seems to have been there all my life. It's now called "Happy Family" and very nice it is ,too!

John Critchley Prince (1808-1886)

'Prince writes like an angel and lives like a devil.'

JOHN CRITCHLEY PRINCE was not born a hydonian, but was adopted by the town. He was born in Wigan, Lancashire, to Joseph and Nancy Prince. What education he received came from a Baptist Sunday School. At nine years old he started work with his father who was a 'reed-maker'. A 'reed' was a tool used by hand-loom weavers to separate the threads. His father was a drunkard and a bully and often beat his son if he caught him reading. At eighteen, he married Ann Orme, a resident here in Hyde. Once he married Ann, a family followed and by 1830 they had a son and two daughters. Employment was bleak, Prince sought work in France, but it didn’t work out. After suffering much hardship on his return journey he arrived home to find his family in the poorhouse at Wigan. In later years he moved between Blackburn, Ashton and Hyde, searching for casual work. He supplemented his income by contributing poems to local papers and begging and borrowing off friends and acquaintances. Effort were made by friends and well-wishers to help Prince lift him from poverty. Several cash grants from the Royal Bounty Fund were given, but each failed because of his addiction to alcohol, which he tried to kick many times but couldn’t.

DEAR wife, we struggle in a time

Saddened by many a shade,

For warfare in another clime

Has paralysed my trade;

And 'mong the thousands of our class,

So meanly clothed and fed,

We've had our share of grief, alas!

Pining for needful bread.....

JOHN CRITCHLEY PRINCE

His wife Ann died in 1858, and four years later he married Ann Taylor. His final years were marred by declining health and hardship from the near collapse of the cotton industry during the American Civil War, what was known around Hyde as the Cotton Famine. John Critchley Prince died here in Hyde, in 1866, he was by then almost blind and partially paralysed by a stroke suffered shortly after he remarried. He was buried in St George's churchyard.

　

His works of poetry are well worth seeking out and should be available in the library.. Two books to look out for are ‘The Life Of John Critchley Prince & The Poems of John Critchley Prince both by R.A. Douglass Lithgow

Hyde's 'home-grown' poet James Leigh and many other poets were so moved by his life and death that they penned poems about him... below is one of the 3 poems I've read from James Leigh concerning Prince.. Leigh was presented with Prince's prised snuffbox.

Line on being presented

with

Critchley Princes Snuffbox

This box is a relic
Thou you may not know it,
Of John Critchley Prince,
The Lancashire Poet.
It has been handed down
As an heirloom to me;
I, Jammie o’ Tim’s,
Better known as Jim Leigh

View down Stockport Road

A 1920's view looking down Stockport Road near the junction with Knight Street. How the horizon has changed with all the chimneys now demolished. It's nice to see that the trees are still there....Everything looks so busy in the later photograph.

Lewis Street (Disappeared Streets 4)

Lewis Street was a street running from Mottram Road ,opposite John Shepley Street, down to Hoviley.
It still stands in the form of being the entrance road to Morrisons Supermarket although it isn't named anymore. It also used to be home to the Tram station .



The bottom of Lewis street shown from Hoviley


The entrance to Morrisons.
Note the Electricity substation from the Tram Station can still be seen (middle left).

I have added these here to Nancy's posting as these chaps are stood on the corner of Mottram Road and Lewis Street. Hopefully someone will be able to name the shop.

These pictures have been donated to the blog by Ian Swindells.. now Ian did point out one of his relations... but me being so forgetful can not remember which one... but I'm sure Ian will forgive me and put us right... This group could be Hyde's answer to Eliot Ness and the Untouchables.. the chap second from the right seems to be going for his gun :O)

I'd love to see more pictures like this... it makes it more interesting when pictures have a street name on view, or another point of interests.