Articles that relate to the history of Tameside.
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
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
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
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
Nestled in the Newton area of Hyde, Greater Manchester, Newton Hall stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and local heritage. The hall is located on Dunkirk Lane, just off Dukinfield Road, this timber-framed cruck building is among the oldest surviving structures in North West England. Historical Overview Newton Hall was originally established by… Read More newton hall: a medieval gem in hyde’s heart
The village stocks are located in the grounds of Hyde Chapel in Gee Cross, Hyde and are a notable historical feature of the area. Stocks were historically used as a form of public punishment and humiliation for minor offences, such as drunkenness or petty theft. Offenders would have their ankles and sometimes wrists secured in… Read More Hyde Chapel Gee Cross: The Village Stocks
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Ashton Brothers’ cotton mills in Hyde, Cheshire, were significant employers in the region. A substantial portion of their workforce consisted of children. These young labourers endured challenging conditions, with their daily routines characterised by long hours, minimal wages, and exposure to hazardous environments. Living Conditions Many child… Read More Children Working in Ashton Brothers’ Cotton Mills in Hyde
Frances Lockett, Cotton Queen 1930-31, returning to Hyde. © Tameside Culture Original Article by Rachel Cornes, 18-01-18 In the heart of Hyde during the 1930s, the cotton industry, alongside the hatting and gloving trades, remained a cornerstone of local employment. These industries, although they were beginning to decline, continued to rely heavily on the labour… Read More The story of Frances Lockett, From Hyde: Britain’s first Cotton Queen and a Story of Pride
The name “Ashton” is prominent throughout Tameside, and its history stretches back to Anglo–Saxon England. Intrigued by the name’s significance in the area, I set out to learn more about its origins and the role it played in shaping local communities, particularly in places like Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde. The Origins of the Ashton Name The… Read More Exploring the Origins of the Ashton Name: A Deep Connection To Tameside’s History
Rachel Bakewell 