Partnership of archive & local history organisations at Manchester Central Library. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Blogs by volunteers and staff. Visit archivesplus.org for events, visitor information and more.
During these uncertain times we hope Archives+ can help you to stay in touch by publishing our popular memory boxes online which can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, finding out what your family’s childhood was like, looking back at the area where they grew up, discovering their fondest childhood memories and maybe uncover some hidden gems in your family’s story.
Whilst children are on holiday and many adults remain at home, why not take this opportunity to find out about those important stories thus ensuring this history is passed on to the next generation which can often get lost or put off for another day as we lead our busy lives. Sharing memories of days gone by can bring families closer together, listening to elderly relatives can be a comfort for families as they gain an insight into their life stories.
Each week Archives+ will publish a memory box for an area in Manchester, this week’s online memory box takes a look at Chorlton. Below you will find a collection of images from Chorlton, alongside 5 worksheets. The worksheets are set around 5 themes: Industry, Place, Health and Living Conditions, Pastimes and Communities. Using the worksheets as prompts to start up a conversation, write down your findings on a piece of paper, or if you prefer type into a tablet or PC.
Dig out your old photos too, these can also be a brilliant resource to trigger fond memories of family times. We encourage you to share your findings on social media, either as comments on our Facebook page or on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ArchivesPlusMemorybox
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If you are unable to share your photos and stories online, when the libraries are fully reopen bring copies of your family memories into your local library. In the coming year we will produce an exhibition in your local library of selected submissions, shared both online and in person.
Please make sure that if you share any information with us that the person you have spoken to is happy for you to share it with Archives+.When sharing your findings try to avoid sharing too much personal information such as surnames and date of birth as these details can identify your loved ones.
Resources:
Unlocking Your Sound Archive have produced a blog about conducting oral history interviews with family members. The audio clips included in this online memory box have been kindly supplied by Unlocking Your Sound Archive.
Chorlton Green, West side, builders A. Percival and Sons, and Chapman Car Service Ltd, house on right formerly Green Farm House 1958Junction of St Clements Road with Chorlton Green, a part of old Chorlton Village No’s 43, 45, 47 St Clements Road 1959Petrol Station (opened June 1959) corner of Mauldeth Road West and Alexandra Road South adjoins Railway Station 1959287 Barlow Moor Road west side, current prices on window 1959Wilbraham Road south side 1, corner Wilbraham Road/Barlow Moor Road 1959Corner of High Lane/Barlow Moor Road, west side 1959Wilbraham Road south side 4, insurance office 583 and Maypole Dairy 585, 1959Wilbraham Road south side 7, Woolworth’s Store, corner Wilbraham/Brundrettes Road 1959Wilbraham Road north side, on Chorlton-cum-Hardy station bridge approach 1961
Chorlton-cum-Hardy Railway Station 1890(1103/596) e01 Mr. Gill recalls the Beech Road area and the activities that took place on the old village green from the 1920s. Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreHough End Hall 1900Chorlton Green, St Clement’s Church and Lych Gate 1910Aerial View showing Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1925. Barlow Moor Road runs diagonally across and has the tram terminus on it. Beech Road runs off Barlow Moor Road, to the top left of the picture (as viewed). The Palais De Luxe (cinema) is just above the tram turning in into the road. The large white building towards the bottom of the picture was later the Palais de Danse Princess Ballroom, although it is unclear if this is what it was at the time this picture was taken.The Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1925Chorlton-cum-Hardy Bus Terminus 1940Southern Hotel, corner of Nell Lane, Mauldeth Road 1959Royal Agricultural Show, Houghend Fields, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1930 (the outlines of buildings on the field, top left, are from Alexandra Park Aerodrome located here 1918-24).
Beech Road Recreation Ground 1908(1103/636) e02 Mrs. Clarke remembers the parks she played in as a child and the bandstands and stages with events every week. “…we used to get bands on a Sunday in there and dancing groups…” Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreChorlton-cum-Hardy Public Baths, Manchester Road 1920Savoy Picture House, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1930 (later became the Gaumont)Gaumont Cinema. Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1958 (Previously the Savoy Picture House)(1103/635) e01 Mr. and Mrs. Hilton recall the various leisure activities in Chorlton from sports at the Cricket Club to repertory theatre where actor Doris Speed performed and having dancing lessons. Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreChorlton Public Library, Manchester Road 1958Chorlton Park, Children’s Playground, Barlow Moor Road east side 1959Chorlton Park, Paddling Pool, Barlow Moor Road east side 1959Ready Radio Cinema, Barlow Moor Road 1962
Corner of Longford Road and Manchester Road, west side 1958Mauldeth Road West, south side corner of Nell Lane 1959(1103/589) e01 Mr. Donbavend talks about the development of Chorlton and the growth of industry in the surrounding areas. “…most of the people…the workers…lived in this area Chorlton Green…” Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives CentreCorner of Zetland Road, Sandy Lane and Barlow Moor Road 1959Barlow Moor Road West Side, Corner of Cranbourne Road and Barlow Moor Road, No. 551, 1959(1103/636) e01 Mrs. Clarke describes the different social classes living in different areas of Chorlton and how neighbours would help each other. Courtesy of Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre No’s 364, 362 Wilbraham Road north side 1960 Stanley Grove, from Crossland Road 1972Brownhill Buildings, Off Sandy Lane 1973
St Clement’s Church, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1880Oswald Road Municipal School, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 1925Chorlton High School for Boys, Woodwork Shop, Corkland Road 1927Chorlton Park Primary School, Corner of Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road east side 1959St Ninian’s Old Church, Wilbraham Road south side 1960Parish Hall at rear of St Werburgh’s Church, Wilbraham Road north side 1960Congregational Church, Wilbraham Road north side 1960
We hope you have enjoyed looking back at the photographs of Chorlton. More areas will be covered each week and if you would like to see more images, don’t forget to check out the photograph albums on Flickr and the Manchester Local Image Collection .
Caption “Wilbraham Road south side 1, corner Wilbraham Road/Barlow Moor Road 1959”
is Kemp’s Chemists (at Kemp’s Corner), on a Sunday.
Caption “Wilbraham Road south side 7, Woolworth’s Store, corner Wilbraham/Brundrettes Road 1959”
Brundrettes should read Brundretts.
Caption “Southern Hotel, corner of Nell Lane, Mauldeth Road 1959”
Mauldeth Road should read Mauldeth Road West
Caption “Ready Radio Cinema, Barlow Moor Road 1962”
I’m not at all sure that Ready Radio ran a cinema in the old Palace Cinema. I’m sure it was a retail shop.
Caption “Corner of Zetland Road, Sandy Lane and Barlow Moor Road 1959”.
Certainly was Zetland Road by 1965, but possibly still had its original name of Holland Road in 1959.
I noticed you’re quite familiar with Kemp’s corner. I am an architect looking into the history of the site and wanted to see if there was any way I could get in touch. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
Caption “Chorlton Park Primary School, Corner of Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road east side 1959”
should read “Chorlton Park Infant School and Nursery School, Corner of Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road east side 1959.”
Hi I’m enjoying the old photos you are putting out. I am originally from Manchester, my dad was from Salford and although I now live in France ( retired) I am still interested in local history of the North west . When I was working in Stockport as an Art teacher I took a lot of photos of old buildings in and around greater Manchester. I would like to send you copies but I am not on facebook or twitter. How can I get them to you? if you would like them? Ray Pilkington > Message du 14/08/20 12:01> De : “WordPress.com” > A : raymond-john.pilkington@orange.fr> Copie à : > Objet : [New post] Online Memory Box: Chorlton> >WordPress.com
Archives+ posted: ” During these uncertain times we hope Archives+ can help you to stay in touch by publishing our popular memory boxes online which can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, finding out what your family’s childhood was like, lookin”
really enjoying these photos – I’ve just started working at St Werburghs Church – the “congregational church” on Wilbraham Road – fantastic to see the old photos here.
My wife and I were at chorlton central school 1951-56. I have had no success finding any information. We have no images but do remember teachers and class mates to share. Help.
Kind regards, David Pickford.
Re: Chorlton Central School
Thank you Bill.
Perhaps we should recall more of our memories. We were both very happy there and successful in our careers, having travelled extensively and able to retire early. We have settled in Scotland but have kept our eye on Stretford and Chorlton.
Thanks, David Pickford C Eng FIET. DPAGB.
Thanks, I hope some help will come. My searches for Chorlton Central School have had no success.
manchesterarchiveplus.wordpress.com 
Caption “Wilbraham Road south side 1, corner Wilbraham Road/Barlow Moor Road 1959”
is Kemp’s Chemists (at Kemp’s Corner), on a Sunday.
Caption “Wilbraham Road south side 7, Woolworth’s Store, corner Wilbraham/Brundrettes Road 1959”
Brundrettes should read Brundretts.
Caption “Southern Hotel, corner of Nell Lane, Mauldeth Road 1959”
Mauldeth Road should read Mauldeth Road West
Caption “Ready Radio Cinema, Barlow Moor Road 1962”
I’m not at all sure that Ready Radio ran a cinema in the old Palace Cinema. I’m sure it was a retail shop.
Caption “Corner of Zetland Road, Sandy Lane and Barlow Moor Road 1959”.
Certainly was Zetland Road by 1965, but possibly still had its original name of Holland Road in 1959.
Thank you for the updates Trevor, I will pass them on to the Heritage Manager to amend our records. Kind regards Siobhan
Hi Trevor,
I noticed you’re quite familiar with Kemp’s corner. I am an architect looking into the history of the site and wanted to see if there was any way I could get in touch. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
Kind regards,
Sami
Caption “Chorlton Park Primary School, Corner of Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road east side 1959”
should read “Chorlton Park Infant School and Nursery School, Corner of Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road east side 1959.”
Once again, thank you for the update, I will pass this on to the Heritage Manager to amend our records. Kind regards Siobhan
Hi I’m enjoying the old photos you are putting out. I am originally from Manchester, my dad was from Salford and although I now live in France ( retired) I am still interested in local history of the North west . When I was working in Stockport as an Art teacher I took a lot of photos of old buildings in and around greater Manchester. I would like to send you copies but I am not on facebook or twitter. How can I get them to you? if you would like them? Ray Pilkington > Message du 14/08/20 12:01> De : “WordPress.com” > A : raymond-john.pilkington@orange.fr> Copie à : > Objet : [New post] Online Memory Box: Chorlton> >WordPress.com
Archives+ posted: ” During these uncertain times we hope Archives+ can help you to stay in touch by publishing our popular memory boxes online which can be used as a starting point in discovering your family history, finding out what your family’s childhood was like, lookin”
Hi Ray, thank you for your kind offer. I will send an email to you to discuss how it may be possible. Many thanks Siobhan
really enjoying these photos – I’ve just started working at St Werburghs Church – the “congregational church” on Wilbraham Road – fantastic to see the old photos here.
My wife and I were at chorlton central school 1951-56. I have had no success finding any information. We have no images but do remember teachers and class mates to share. Help.
Kind regards, David Pickford.
I’m sorrywe don’t have anything in our collections but perhaps somebody reading this will.
Re: Chorlton Central School
Thank you Bill.
Perhaps we should recall more of our memories. We were both very happy there and successful in our careers, having travelled extensively and able to retire early. We have settled in Scotland but have kept our eye on Stretford and Chorlton.
Thanks, David Pickford C Eng FIET. DPAGB.
Thanks, I hope some help will come. My searches for Chorlton Central School have had no success.
Wonder if anyone remembers the travelling fairgrounds visiting Chorlton Park in the 1950s and later Lonford Park