Stockport: Our Area In History

11th August 2024

Following a discovered shared interest in local community groups, I have put together a collection of historical postcards and information on our local areas, Stockport, Romiley and Marple. I have included postcards from the personal collection of our Managing Director and those gifted to us. Postcards dating from the late 19th century onward.

Stockport:

Early History
Prehistoric and Roman Era: The area around Stockport has evidence of prehistoric human activity, including ancient burial mounds. During the Roman period, the region was part of the Roman province of Britannia, although no significant Roman settlements have been found directly in Stockport. Nearby, the Roman road from Manchester to Buxton passed through, suggesting some Roman presence.

Anglo-Saxon and Norman Period: The name “Stockport” is believed to derive from Old English words, likely meaning a “marketplace at a stockaded place” or “fortified town.” The Domesday Book of 1086 records Stockport under the name “Stocheport,” indicating it was an established settlement.

Medieval and Early Modern Period
Medieval Development: During the medieval period, Stockport grew as a small market town. The town was part of the Barony of Stockport, controlled by the de Stokeport family and later passed to the de Warren and then to the de Vernon family.

16th to 18th Century: In the 16th century, Stockport was a modest-sized town with agriculture as its primary economic activity. By the 17th century, it had developed a reputation for hat-making, an industry that would become crucial to its economy.

Industrial Revolution and Victorian Era
Industrialization: Stockport underwent significant industrialization during the 18th and 19th centuries. The town became a major center for the cotton and silk industries, with numerous mills and factories springing up. The River Mersey and the construction of the Stockport Viaduct in 1840, a massive brick structure that carried the railway over the town, were crucial in its industrial growth.

Hat-Making Industry: Stockport became particularly famous for its hat-making industry, which reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1880s, Stockport was producing millions of hats each year, exporting them worldwide.

Social and Urban Development: As Stockport industrialized, its population grew rapidly, leading to the expansion of housing, infrastructure, and public services. The town also saw the rise of social issues typical of rapidly industrialising areas, including poverty, overcrowded housing, and poor working conditions.

20th Century to Present
Post-War Period: After World War II, Stockport, like many other industrial towns in the UK, experienced economic decline as traditional industries, including hat-making, went into decline. The town faced challenges such as unemployment and urban decay.

Regeneration and Modern Era: In recent decades, Stockport has undergone significant regeneration efforts, with investment in retail, housing, and infrastructure. The town center has been revitalized, and Stockport has become part of the Greater Manchester conurbation, benefiting from its proximity to Manchester.

Cultural Heritage: Today, Stockport celebrates its rich industrial heritage. The Hat Works Museum, housed in a former hat factory, is a testament to the town’s once-thriving hat-making industry. Other landmarks include the Stockport Viaduct, the Plaza Theatre, and Staircase House, a medieval townhouse.

Stockport’s history is a blend of ancient roots and industrial might, reflecting broader changes in English society over the centuries.

Romiley:

Romiley is a suburban area within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport in Greater Manchester, England. It has its own unique history, closely tied to the development of Stockport and the surrounding region. Here’s an overview of Romiley’s history:

Early History
Prehistoric and Roman Era: While there is limited evidence of prehistoric or Roman activity directly in Romiley, the surrounding area, including Stockport, has signs of ancient habitation. The nearby Roman road from Manchester to Buxton suggests that the region was under Roman influence, although Romiley itself was likely a rural area at this time.

Medieval Period: Romiley is mentioned in historical records as far back as the medieval period. The name “Romiley” is believed to derive from Old English, possibly meaning “woodland clearing” (from “leah”) associated with a man named “Ruma.” During this period, Romiley would have been a small agricultural settlement, with farming as the primary occupation of its residents.

16th to 18th Century
Agricultural Community: For much of its early history, Romiley remained a small rural community. It was part of the ancient parish of Stockport, within the hundred of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The area was dominated by farmland, with scattered farms and cottages making up the bulk of the settlement.

Establishment of Romiley Chapel: In 1745, a chapel was built in Romiley, reflecting the growing population and the community’s need for its own place of worship. This chapel eventually became St. Chad’s Church, which remains a focal point of the community.

19th Century: Industrial Revolution and Expansion
Industrial Influence: The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on Romiley, as it did on much of the Greater Manchester area. Although Romiley itself did not industrialize to the same extent as nearby Stockport, it benefited from the economic activity in the region. The arrival of the Peak Forest Canal in 1796 and later the Manchester and Sheffield Railway in 1862 connected Romiley to broader trade networks.

Growth of the Village: The 19th century saw Romiley grow from a rural hamlet into a more substantial village. The canal and railway brought increased accessibility, leading to the development of housing and small industries. Romiley became a desirable location for those working in Stockport and Manchester who wanted to live in a more rural setting.

20th Century: Suburban Development
Expansion: In the 20th century, Romiley continued to grow, particularly after World War II, when suburban development accelerated. As Stockport and Manchester expanded, Romiley became increasingly suburban, with new housing estates being built to accommodate the growing population. The village retained a semi-rural character, with its proximity to the Peak District National Park being a significant attraction.

Community and Culture: Despite urban expansion, Romiley has maintained a strong sense of community. The village center, with its shops, pubs, and local businesses, serves as a focal point for residents. The Forum Theatre, opened in 1971, is a key cultural venue, hosting a range of performances and events.

Modern Era
Part of Greater Manchester: In 1974, Romiley became part of the newly formed Metropolitan Borough of Stockport within Greater Manchester, following the Local Government Act 1972. This change integrated Romiley more closely into the Greater Manchester area while still retaining its identity as a distinct community.

Contemporary Romiley: Today, Romiley is a thriving suburban area with a mix of older historic buildings and modern housing developments. It is known for its good transport links, including the Romiley railway station, which connects it to Manchester and beyond. The area remains popular for its balance of suburban convenience and access to the countryside.

Romiley’s history reflects its transition from a small rural settlement to a suburban community, shaped by its proximity to Stockport and Manchester. Its development over the centuries highlights the broader changes in the region, from agricultural roots to industrial influence and modern suburban growth.

Marple:

Marple, a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport in Greater Manchester, has a rich and varied history that reflects its transformation from a rural community to a significant suburban area. Here’s an overview of Marple’s history:

Early History

Prehistoric and Roman Era: The area around Marple has evidence of ancient human activity, including prehistoric settlements and burial sites. However, like much of the surrounding region, Marple was not a major center during the Roman era, though Roman roads in nearby areas suggest some level of Roman presence.
Medieval Period: Marple is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name “Merpel.” During this time, Marple was a small agricultural community within the ancient parish of Stockport, part of the hundred of Hamestan in Cheshire. The name “Marple” likely comes from Old English, meaning “boundary stream” or “boundary slope.”
Ownership and Feudal Lords: In the medieval period, Marple was part of the barony of Stockport. The area was owned by the de Marple family, and later by the Arderne family, who were prominent local landowners. Marple remained a small, rural area, with farming being the main occupation.

16th to 18th Century: Development and Industry

Agricultural Economy: Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Marple remained a predominantly agricultural community. The construction of Marple Hall in the late 16th century by the Bradshaw family marked the establishment of a significant estate in the area. Marple Hall became a central feature of the community for several centuries.
Industrial Beginnings: The late 18th century marked the beginning of industrial activity in Marple, primarily through the construction of the Peak Forest Canal, which was completed in 1800. The canal was designed to transport limestone from Derbyshire to Manchester and was integral to the region’s industrial development. The canal, with its impressive Marple Aqueduct and Marple Locks, became a key feature of the area.
Marple Locks: The construction of the Marple Locks, a flight of 16 locks, between 1794 and 1804, enabled boats to navigate the steep descent into Marple. These locks are still a significant historical and engineering landmark, attracting visitors today.

19th Century: Industrialization and Growth

Cotton Mills and Industry: The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Marple. The town saw the establishment of cotton mills along the River Goyt, utilising the water power to drive machinery. The textile industry, particularly cotton spinning and weaving, became the primary economic activity.
Railway Expansion: The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century further spurred Marple’s growth. The Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway, which opened in 1865, made Marple more accessible, encouraging further industrial and residential development. The railway linked Marple to Manchester, making it an attractive location for commuters.
Urban Expansion: As industry grew, so did the population, leading to the expansion of housing and the development of a more urban character. Marple began to evolve from a rural village into a more significant town.

20th Century: Suburban Development

Decline of Industry: The 20th century saw the decline of traditional industries in Marple, particularly the cotton mills. As the mills closed, Marple transitioned into a more residential and suburban area, with many of its residents commuting to Manchester or Stockport for work.
Community and Culture: Despite the decline of industry, Marple maintained a strong sense of community. The town center, with its shops, pubs, and local businesses, remained vibrant. Marple Memorial Park, opened in 1922, became a key recreational area, dedicated to the memory of local residents who died in World War I.
Preservation of Heritage: Marple has preserved much of its historical character, with several buildings and structures, such as Marple Aqueduct, Marple Locks, and the remains of Marple Hall, recognized for their historical significance.

Modern Era

Part of Greater Manchester: In 1974, Marple became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport within Greater Manchester, following the Local Government Act 1972. This change brought Marple into the broader Manchester conurbation, but it retained its distinct identity as a town.
Contemporary Marple: Today, Marple is a thriving suburban area with a mix of historical sites and modern amenities. It is known for its scenic beauty, with the nearby Peak District National Park providing a natural backdrop. The town has a strong cultural life, with events, local theaters, and community activities playing a significant role in local life.

Marple’s history is a story of transformation, from a small rural settlement to an industrial town, and finally to a suburban community that celebrates its rich heritage. Its canals, railways, and historical buildings are testaments to the town’s evolving role in the broader history of the region.

Postcards: Romiley (Chadkirk), Gee Cross (Joel Lane), Romiley (Several) , Romiley (Sandy Lane)