|
The small
town of Kidsgrove lies to the far north of the county
near the South Cheshire border.
Once
an unfarmed area on the edge of the Lyme Forest, Kidsgrove
grew up around coal mining in the 18th century. Because the
lay of the land prevented the construction of a straight forward
road for transport, canals were cut through the district.
Kidsgrove
stands on the Trent and Mersey Canal and also marks the southern
extremity of the Macclesfield Canal. The famous Harecastle
Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal leading to 'The Potteries',
was designed by Thomas Telford.
Improved
transportation meant that Kidsgrove was soon a flourishing
industrial town. In the mid-18th century the railway system
was introduced and by the end of the century the town was
extremely busy.
The wealthy
mine owners built stately mansions on each side of the valley
called Clough Hall and Whitehall.
Just
before the end of the 19th century Clough Hall was converted
into a public pleasure park known as 'The Paradise of the
Potteries'. Visitors flocked from a wide area to visit the
park but this has now disapperared.
The coal
industry began to decline in the 20th century and today all
the mines have closed.
Between
the end of World War II and the 1990s housing developed at
a rapid rate and Kidsgrove is now a popular residential town.
The Gritstone Trail, a long-distance footpath beginning at Disley in
Cheshire, finishes at Kidsgove railway station. From here
continue along the Trent and Mersey Canal to see the entrance
to the Harecastle Tunnel. This stretch of the canal is bright
orange, caused by nearby iron-rich springs seeping into the
waterway.
The Sustrans
National Cycle path passes through Kidsgrove.
Little Moreton Hall, just over the border in Cheshire, is one
of England's most beautiful timber-framed house to visit,
on the A50 Kidsgrove to Congleton road.
|
the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Kidsgrove
