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Wilmslow
stands on the River Bollin between Alderley Edge and Handforth.
The town
began to develop in the 19th century when the area's attractive
rural position beside a railway junction made it a desirable
place for Manchester businessmen to locate their homes.
Today
Wilmslow is the home of the huge Umbro clothing company who
have their headquarters in the area.
Like
Alderley Edge, Wilmslow is an affluent area with many famous
residents.
The town
boasts waht is probably the UK's smallest tourist attraction.
In the towns centre is the Romany Memorial Garden with the
Romany caravan belonging to the Reverend George Bramwell Even's
(also known as Romany or The Tramp). During World War II
the Romany caravan or 'vardo' featured in the author and broadcaster's
radio programme for BBC Children's Hour, 'Out with Romany',
and also in his numerous books. The preserved vardo is open
to the public on the second Saturday of each month.
Near
Wilmslow, at Styal, , stands Quarry Bank Mill. Now owned
by the National Trust, this huge 18th century factory has
been preserved as a museum to the cotton industry.
Quarry
Bank Mill was founded by Samuel Greg in 1764 on the banks
of the River Bollin. By 1832 the cotton spinning factory was
the largest one in the UK. Robert Greg, Samuel Greg's son,
introduced weaving at the mill after 1834.
Farm
buildings in Styal were converted to house the workers and
as the mill developed purpose-built housing was erected for
the employees. Today Styal is still a thriving community.
The Georgian
mill still produces calico cotton, which is sold in the Mill
Shop.
Quarry
Bank Mill notably used unpaid child apprentices until 1847.
These pauper children worked long hours in the factory and
then did schoolwork and gardening after coming back from the
mill. Although life was tough, most of the children prefered
to work at the mill rather than live at the Workhouse, the
only alternative. The children lived in a separate building
near the mill called the Apprentice House, which is open to
the public, and costumed guides now take visitors on timed
tours. The Apprentice House's garden, once tended by the
Apprentices, has traditional varieties of fruits, vegetables
and herbs, as well as geese and hens.
Quarry
Bank Mill is surrounded by the 384 acre Styal Estate and its
woodland and riverside walks provide a peaceful contrast to
the mill.
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Wilmslow
Bramall Hall Bramhall Park, Wilmslow
