Aerial photo of
District of Whalley Range
Image provided courtesy of Webb Aviation © 2008. www.webbaviation.co.uk
- all rights reserved.
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.
See also:
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.
