Gatley

Until the 20th century, most Gatley residents either worked in the material trades or were farmers. An open field system existed around Gatley in the late 17th century, but the practice of common farming seems to have fallen into disuse when William Tatton allowed tenants to buy their own land. Gatley Carrs was the lower, marshy ground running down to the River Mersey and west to Northenden. Before 1700, it was a place for osier beds which local people had used for basket making or for wattles for cottages or fencing. In 1800, Mr Worthington of Sharston Hall planted 1,000 poplars in Gatley Carrs. In the mid 19th century, Gatley Carrs was described as "a scene of such singular and romantic…