In the early 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution surged through Britain, not everyone welcomed the wave of change. In towns like Hyde—particularly the hillside village of Gee Cross—anxiety and unrest grew among skilled textile workers. These men and women had spent years mastering their crafts, only to see new machines threaten their livelihoods. Out… Read More the luddites & gee cross: resistance in the age of industry
While Hyde is best known for its cotton mills, coal mining played a crucial role in the town’s development — especially in and around the village of Gee Cross. The area sits atop part of the Manchester Coalfield, and coal seams were commercially exploited to fuel local industry. Coal in the Hyde Area From the… Read More mining hyde & gee cross: the hidden depths of hyde’s industrial heritage
On the evening of January 3, 1831, Thomas Ashton, a 24-year-old mill manager from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was fatally shot while out walking from his residence at Pole Bank to Apethorn Mill. This act of violence occurred during a period of significant social and economic upheaval in England, marked by the Industrial Revolution and the… Read More the murder of thomas ashton: a tragic chapter in industrial england
The history of Greater Manchester is layered and complex, but one often-overlooked aspect of its administrative past is the Salford Hundred — a term that once defined a vast and influential region in south-east Lancashire, long before the modern city boundaries we know today. What Was a ‘Hundred’? In medieval England, a hundred was an… Read More the salford hundred: a forgotten division of northern england
The Ashton Brothers mill complex, included Carrfield Mill, Bayleyfield Mill, and Balaclava Mill, and stood as a key part of Hyde’s industrial landscape. Over time, the site was gradually dismantled — with Bayleyfield and Balaclava Mills reportedly demolished around 2008, and the remaining buildings cleared by January 2013. These mills were central to Hyde’s identity,… Read More textile transitions: ashton brothers, christy, and the changing face of hyde’s industry
While workhouses were widespread across 19th-century Britain, each had its own unique history, shaped by the local economy, population, and industrial development. The Ashton-under-Lyne Union Workhouse, which served Gee Cross and the surrounding areas of Greater Manchester, was a prime example of how these institutions evolved alongside Britain’s textile-driven industrial age. From Fletcher Street to… Read More the ashton-under-lyne union workhouse: threads of history in gee cross and beyond
In 19th-century Britain, the word workhouse struck fear and shame into the hearts of the poor. Established under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, these institutions were designed to deter people from seeking public assistance by offering a last resort: food and shelter in exchange for hard, monotonous labour. Though framed as charity, the… Read More inside the workhouse: harsh realities, silent stitches
The Ashton family has already been a significant focus of my previous writings, however I do believe it is crucial to look further and contextualise their role in the development of Gee Cross and Hyde, as well as their contribution to the textile industry. The Ashtons were instrumental in shaping the economic and industrial landscape… Read More the growth to gentry for the ashton family
As you know (if you follow my blog) I’m deeply fascinated by the Industrial Revolution, especially the textile industry, not only because of its profound impact on Britain, but also due to a personal family connection that inspires me to learn more. This period of dramatic change reshaped both landscapes and lives, driving progress while… Read More Clothing the cotton mill workers: wages, wear, and tradition in industrial britain
When we think of the Industrial Revolution in the North of England, cotton mills and towering chimneys often spring to mind. But behind the scenes, it was water—not just steam—that quietly powered progress. In this post, I’m exploring the fascinating history of Hyde Waterworks and how Manchester Corporation’s hydraulic power system transformed industry, infrastructure, and… Read More hydraulic heritage: hyde waterworks and manchester’s hidden power network
Rachel Bakewell 