Hyde Chapel, 1767

The present Hyde Chapel was built in 1846.

The first chapel on the site was built in 1708. It was extended in 1767. No picture of the original chapel is known to exist, but when we visited the recent Beatrix Potter Exhibition, we were shown this picture of the extended chapel. It was demolished following the completion of the new chapel, but the site can be made out in the present graveyard.

A look at the picture in situ can by found on Hyde Daily Photo.

Coronation Bonfire on Werneth Low

The coronation of Edward VII was set for 26th June 1902.

On Werneth Low, a bonfire was built.

Two days before the ceremony, the King was taken ill and the actual coronation postponed until 9th August.

On the command of the King, the bonfire was lit and the celebrations went ahead on the original date as planned.

Wakes Week

This 1950s picture shows Hyde during Wakes Week.

Wakes Weeks were a tradition across the industrial North of England, especially Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire. Each town had its own Wakes Weeks in June, July or August. Whole towns would virtually close down for one or two weeks. For large mills and factories it made more sense to close completely rather than allow workers to take their holidays at staggered times.

Many people went away to Blackpool, Morecambe, Southport and other destinations. For those that remained at home, there was usually a local fair to attend.

The tradition lived on well into the 1980s but has now largely been abandoned.

My other ABC Wednesday W posts this week are ~~ Well on Wych Fold at Hyde Daily Photo ~~ Wreck of the Riverdance at Ackworth born, gone West ~~ Windsurfer at Sithenah

To visit more ABC-Wednesday W posts go to Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Godley Hill 1902

This is Godley Hill decorated to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII.

The coronation was set for 26th June 1902. Due to the King taking ill two days before, the ceremony was postponed until 9th August. At the King's insistance though most celebrations still went ahead on the original date.

Video Footage of Hyde 1947

Much Ado is George Wain's award winning amateur film, shot around the Gee Cross area of Hyde, about 1947. It includes Dowson Road, the Peak Forest Canal and a steam train on the Godley Junction to Apethorn railway line.



My other ABC Wednesday V posts this week are ~~ Village Fete at Hyde Daily Photo ~~ Vroom Vroom at Ackworth born, gone West ~~ Vintage Cars at Sithenah

To visit more ABC-Wednesday V posts go to Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

Children's Day

In 1931 Hyde was celebrating fifty years of incorporation as a Borough. Children aged three to fifteen had been given a jubilee medal and some chocolate.

June 16th was declared Children's Day and some 4000 marched to the Town Hall to sing hymns and the National Anthem.

As can be seen by the plethora of umbrellas, it was not a sunny day.

Godley Junction Marshalling Yard

This photograph was taken in March 1989 by Peter Whatley and is published here with his permission. It can also be viewed on the Geograph website.

There is a clear view on the right of where the track of the old line to Apethorn and Woodley branched off. This was where locomotive changes between electric and diesel traction took place.

In the distance you can see Hattersley Station.