Pole Bank - Past and Present

 Two views of Stockport Road as it passes Pole Bank.

Pole Bank was once the family home of the Ashton Family. 
The Ashtons were among the earliest cotton pioneers in Hyde. From 1800 they worked as a family business with mills at Gerrards Wood and Wilson Brook at Godley. Six brothers were involved in the business which, as well as coal and cotton, also established the calico printing works at Newton Bank

Thanks to Elsie D. for sharing the top photo with us.


circa 1910


Circa 2010
Thanks to Google Maps.

Hyde Borough Councils First Meeting

.

First Council Meeting

Noon Monday, April 25th, 1881

As would be expected all the elected councillors were present, the 'Chair' was occupied by Mr. Frank Thornley, who acted as 'Returning Officer' at the election. Councillor Edward Hibbert proposed the Councillor Thomas Ashton of Flowery Field be the first Mayor of Hyde. This was seconded by Councillor Charlies Swindells and Councillor Henry Booth supported the resolution, which was carried with acclamation. Councillor Thomas Ashton then took the chair amidst great applause.

First Mayor & Mayoress

Thomas Ashton & Elizabeth Ashton

The Council then elected six aldermen and the following councillors became the first aldermen of the borough. Thomas Ashton, John Thornley, Edward Hibbert, Thomas Thornley, Charles Swindells, and Charlies Fielding. Alderman Edward Hibbert was appointed first Deputy-Mayor and Mr. John Hibbert first Town Clerk.

At the beginning the Council met in the old 'Local Board' office in Market Place, then for a while in Hyde Mechanics Institute. In January, 1885 the Council began began meeting in the newly built Hyde Town Hall, but on account of the time of year the formal opening of the Town Hall was deferred until July 1885.

The Council Chambers Hyde Town Hall

Ashton Brothers Demolition

Last days of Ashton Brothers

Steam Traction Engine

This must have been taken across from Floweryfield Church and the entrance to Ashton Brothers. The houses in the background are still there. I think the houses were built for the works managers. There used to be two Steam Engines that belong to Ashton Brothers parked up and covered in tarpaulin next to Manchester Road canal bridge. I mess about on them when I played truant from Greenfield Street school in the 1970s. I believe that at least one of them was saved from the scarp yard and was restored to a high standard. It would be nice if this could be confirmed and a picture obtained... contact Tom or Nancy if you have any knowledge of this: hydonian@gmail.com

A present day look at the two aforementioned houses