Four Heatons
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The Four Heatons (pop.70,000) are four affluent suburbs to the northwest of Stockport, bordering the city of Manchester, England. They are: Heaton Norris,Heaton Moor,Heaton Mersey and Heaton Chapel. There were once five Heatons, the fifth being Heaton Reddish, until it dropped its Heaton prefix in the mid-19th century and became just Reddish. All of the Heatons (including Heaton Reddish) were originally districts of Heaton Norris, the then ecclesiastical centre of the area and lay within the historic County Boundaries of Lancashire.
The opening of the Heaton Norris railway station in 1840 and Heaton Chapel railway station in 1853 changed everything. Heaton Moor became a railway suburb. The farmland was sold, and new wide tree lined streets were developed. In neighbouring Reddish industry was expanding. The Houldsworth Mill opened in 1860, and Reddish's population increased from 1360 to 8660 within 40 years. All the impressive churches of the area were built after 1850, though St Thomas' dates from 1758. In 1880, Heaton Mersey got a station on the Midland Railway line into Manchester Central. The area was residential, servicing the industry and commerce of surrounding towns.
During the last 25 years, the area has become very popular with commuters and young professionals, resulting in a large rise in house prices. The area has numerous parks, shops and amenties. Café culture has become notable in the area with the opening of numerous bistros.
Famous people who have lived in the area include John Thomson, Jason Cowan (Big Brother 5), Gary Mounfield and (Primal Scream and The Stone Roses), Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings, Lost). "Mrs Merton" (Caroline Aherne's fictional alter ego) was supposed to come from Heaton Norris.
[edit] Source
- Cheshire Life magazine
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