Whalley Range District of Manchester

Whalley Range
Districts & Suburbs of Manchester

Whalley Range was originally called Jackson's Moss, and was at one time divided between the two neighbouring districts of Withington and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. Before the 19th century development of the area there was a farm and a village pond where thatching rushes were washed. This "Moss", or marsh, may be the one which is referred to in Moss Side.

The origin of the present day name is contentious - most maintain that it was actually devised by Samuel Brooks, a wealthy calico printer who had been born in Whalley in Lancashire, at the end of the 19th century, as he regarded it as a little more genteel than its former name - more suitable and in keeping with the elegant middle class houses of substance that were being built in the area. But there are other explanations on offer too. In any case, Brooks, who was responsible for much of the 19th century development of the district, named his own home Whalley House and the road it stood on Whalley Road, and it may well be that the name grew out of this. Brooks is also still commemorated by Brooks Bar, where the old toll gate stood.

Whalley Range is surrounded by Alexandra Park, Moss Lane West and Wilbraham Road. It is the location for the celebrated William Hulme Grammar School, established as an independent school in 1887, named after William Hulme of Kearsley - the school became a direct grant school in 1976. Nearby is Whalley Range High School on Wilbraham Road.

The district is also known for its multicultural makeup and the sheer number and diversity of the religions and cultures to be found there, including the Manchester Chinese Church, the Pioneer Centre for Spiritualism, St Edmunds Convent, St Bede's Roman Catholic College and several other churches and mosques.

Return to: Suburban Districts of Manchester

See also:

• Map of City Boundaries in 1838
• Map of City Boundaries in 1938
• Map of City Boundaries in 2002
• Gazetteer of Greater Manchester Place Names

NOTE:
We have made reference to several sources in compiling this web page, but must make special mention of the Breedon Books' "Illustrated History of Manchester's Suburbs" by Glynis Cooper, of which we made particular use. Information about this book can be found on our Books About Manchester webpage.