Chelford

CHELFORD is better known as a village that is passed through rather than a destination in itself for it stands on an important crossroads, where the route between Manchester and the Midlands crosses the Knutsford to Macclesfield road. Consequently, when the railway was built from Manchester to Crewe, it had an important rail- way station, for, until the Macclesfield and Knutsford lines were both built about 20 years later, the stage coaches still had to come out to Chelford from those two towns to link up with the London train. Not surprisingly, a flourishing livestock market grew up here and, in the last 50 years, other transport firms have made Chelford their base and more markets have developed in the area. So, it is a village that presents a rather reserved face to the world, and the heavy traffic quartering the village makes it difficult to pinpoint a centre. The church is opposite the entrance to Astle Park, some way from the station and shops, and the Dixon Arms, which used to provide a focal point, has recently been demolished to make way for yet more residential development, whose chief attraction will probably be the ease with which future residents can leave the place.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

One of the most attractive features of Astle Park was the lake, now almost silted up. When the park was being created at the end of the 18th century, Roman remains were found, and there has always been a suspicion that a Roman road runs through the area, although this idea has never been confirmed. However, from its name, the nearby Pepper Street suggests a Roman route.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

Dedicated to St John the Evangelist, the main part of the church was built at the Parkers` expense at the end of the 18th century, but the tower is an 1840s addition by their successors the Dixons. Inside, there are pleasant Arts and Crafts features, including some late Morris and Co windows.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

At first glance, Church Houses seem to be typical farm labourers` cottages next door to the church, but a closer look at the left- hand group suggests that once this was a single substantial farmhouse. The clues lie in the half timbering at the far end and the substantial detailed gables suggesting its once higher status.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

This is where the road between Knutsford and Macclesfield crosses the one from Alderley Edge village to Holmes Chapel. Now a busy commuter intersection, the street furniture has changed. However, the village post office on the opposite side of the roundabout is still there, although instead of Hovis, it now advertises the National Lottery.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".