Announcement: Glossop History - The Way We Were

I have been working on a verity of different projects over the last twelve months. From documenting rare and previously undiscovered finds, rediscovering documents and artifacts in private or locked or away collections, providing talks to clubs and schools as well as providing assistance with the ever threat of damage to our local heritage.

This is around my other passion which working with individuals who suffer from dementia. I work closely with the community and provide a ward winging experiences and sessions to engage and enhance a person’s day. This enhances the opportunity to social interaction and the ideal environment to reminisce, remember personal memories and create new ones along the way.

There will be two presentations this year that will be of note and I cordially invite you to join us. The first is on the 26^th October 2019 at Partington Theatre, Henry Street, Glossop. This will be an evening presentation/ workshop titled The Way We Were. It is the perfect combination of both of my passions. We will have a brief look at our social history, local events and images that are proving to be somewhat iconic.

There will be more updates soon regarding the latest request for permission for more housing in the old part of the town which is set to destroy not only history of our town but the skyline forever.

Will Your Vote Change the Country and Glossop?

Do people realise just how important this vote is?

Personally I don't think there has been any true leader during the latest campaigns. The fights between the leaders have all been seen by us all but why don't they fight like that each and every day in our own and european parliaments? We might of never needed this referendum in the first place.

Why have a referendum? Was there concern about our european status in the first place?

I don't know what the verdict will be but I just hope it gives a boot up the government to show, we the people really do care, hear and work for our country and yes we do have a voice. I hope everyones voice is heard come the result. That would be one of the best things to come of this.

Enough with the politics....

Will it change the Glossop landscape?

Yes. Still holding a very deep breath for the chimney to come down, work should of started this month. I don't think there will be a bypass any time soon... Plans have been in the works for 80 plus years so why would they start now?


Do you think Glossop will change and develop for the better?

The History of the Chimney

Hidden Gems of Glossop

Figureheads of Glossop

Glossop 1912

We are continuing into 1912....

At the heart of some of the world’s most devastating events, shocking incidents and even the greatest achievements, are the people from Glossop in the year of 1912. Over the coming weeks I will reveal a whole host of staggering facts, stories, eyewitness accounts, and sporting achievements that took place over one hundred years ago.

I would like to first turn to one of the oldest parts of the original village of Glossop. The stone shaft that makes up the main frame of the Old Cross has stood the test of time. It thought to have been placed here around 1157 when the parish of Glossop was granted to hold a court, a fair and a market around the stone cross. Over the centuries it became custom to announce the new kings and queens and other important messages from the cross, after all it was the centre of the town. It was not until the early 1800s when the cotton industry began to develop further down the river when plans were put in place to pursue a new town centre. It was when the new complex at Howardtown was built in 1838 when things really began to change. Over the next few years it was clear the offices and court room along with the fast development of the new cotton mills, Howardtown, by far superseded the original part of the town. Glossop was granted a borough in 1866 and people began to regard Howardtown as the centre of Glossop.

In 1910 it was moved to where it stands today

The Old Cross never bore the Celtic stone cap to begin with. 1910 saw the reign of George V which was announced at the cross like the many Monarchs before him. The officials of the Borough of Glossop wanted to place a cap on the stone cross not only to mark the coronation of the king but to symbolise the unity of faiths. The cross was moved from its previous position as it was tight against the house behind, to where it stands today. The Celtic cross was finally placed on top of the ancient cross in 1912.

The Old Cross in Old Glossop

Olympic Games 2016 - Throwback Football Heroes 1912

Throwback Football Heroes 1912

The country is making final preparations for one of the greatest sporting events, the Olympic Games.  As the last adjustments are being made in Brazil, however, preparations around the country are taking place in order to select the British Olympic Team.

One hundred and four years ago the Olympic Games in 1912 were to be held in Stockholm and in April that year the British Team were to be selected. At that time the sportsmen who were selected were mostly amateur and unpaid, never the less they were the very best of their field.

Glossop has always been highly active in sport over the years and 1912 was no different. April 8^th saw Glossop FC (formally Glossop North End) grab a vital point against Grimsby Town as Glossop battled against relegation in the Second Division.

Towards the end of the season, two men attend a match at North Road to observe the team. It is believed they were “tipped off” maybe by a current or ex player of Glossop that the team had obtained some “legend” players. Olympic records show that one of the men was Terry Graham, a man who worked for the British Olympic team as a sort of scout.  No one knows for sure but it is likely that the “tip off” came from Samuel Hill-Wood himself as he still owned the club although he was no longer manager. He was in London most of the time, as he was standing for MP for the High Peak.

By the end of the season Glossop FC just managed to scrape out of the relegation zone by goal difference. Immediately after the season had finish the British Olympic Football Team was announced and on the team sheet were players from Glossop Football Club.  Stockholm 1912 saw many great achievements let’s hope Team GB can do the same this year.

 By Matthew Cox

To Be Continued…

Woolworth's at Glossop 1941 to 2009

Winter Woollies

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. There is definitely a chill in the air as the festive season sneaks in to town.  There was a feast of traditional sights and smells that were sampled by many at the Glossop Christmas switch on, last Saturday evening. The celebration kick started the late night shopping throughout the town and market, for all your gifts, goodies and treats.  It was at that moment I reflected about our more recent history.

In 1941 the drapers at 9 High Street West was bought by the American company that was spreading the country by storm. That company was F. W. Woolworths. It opened its doors later that year and offered a wide range of wares. It was to become one of Glossop’s first self-service stores. Previously you would have given your shopping list to the shopkeeper in order for them to find the goods for you.

The first Woolworths store to open in America was back in 1879 then in 1909 the first British store opened in Liverpool with a huge celebration with a full orchestra, circus and firework display. It was then in 1910 that Frank Woolworth commissioned the design and construction of the famous Woolworth building in New York.

Back in Glossop the store was vital throughout the war years, providing a wide variety of goods that were available all in one place.  It was an early example of the modern supermarket. The store expanded over the years taking up three shop spaces. The original sign over the door read “Woolworths. F. W Bazaar” and was set in gold and black very similar to the Finlay McKinlay’s sign next door.  The name changed over the years as it became a British company. This resulted in the famous red sign we all knew and loved.

Woolworth's lasted 68 years in Glossop as it closed its doors in 2009. During its closing down sales it sold everything right down to the fixtures and fittings.

Woolworth's was a local favourite and a national icon but will you miss it this Christmas?

By Matthew Cox

glossoptours.co.uk

History of the Dinting Arches

A History of Glossop Railway Line & Beyond..

Part 4 of 6 -  Dinting Arches

The arches have recently under gone major works to maintain, strengthen and preserve the iconic, working structure.

The remarkable structure is part and parcel of the Glossop skyline and has been for over a hundred years. To survive this long it has been modified in several ways and yet still maintains its historic
feel and look.

The viaduct was strengthened with new bearings installed along with repairs to the steel, brickwork and masonry, finished with a new lick of traditional olive green paint.

Dinting Arches originally formed part of “The Sheffield, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Manchester Railway”. The railway was opened from Manchester to as far as Godley in November 1841. The foundation stone of Best Hill Viaduct (Broadbottom) was laid by John Chapman Esq. on Thursday 17^th February 1842. Then on the 10^th December that same year trains ran from Godley to Broadbottom. It took a further two years to complete the Dinting Viaduct and the first train passed over on August 8^th 1844.

There were originally sixteen arches; five of them were constructed of Baltic timbers each spanning 125 feet. The rest built of stone along with the stone pillars that exist today. The wooden arches stood 121 feet from the river bed.

The original wooden Dinting Arches

A tremendous tragedy took place in the evening of 18^th September 1855 when a train on a journey from Belle Vue stopped on the arches when three passengers stepped out and fell to their deaths.

The wooden arches needed to be strengthened in the 1850s with tie rods but this was not good enough so they were replaced by the wrought iron girders you can see today. Further strengthening took place in 1919 for the requirements after the First World War when heavier goods were imposed. The brick pillars were installed and some of the stone arches were filled in with bricks for added support. The entire works cost over £41,000 some 93 years ago.

The viaduct after 1919

The last major work was carried out in the 1950s in preparation for the electrification. The first electric train passed over in 1954. The recent update cost around  £6.4 million pounds which was part funded and developed by Network Rail, now enabling the viaduct to last for many more years to come.

Matthew Cox

A History of Dinting Station

A History of Glossop Railway Line & Beyond..

Part 3 of 6 - Dinting Station - "Rich Past, Present & Future"

The first train to arrive at Dinting Station was on 24^th December 1842. In the early days of travel the line from Manchester to Sheffield terminated at Dinting, however, in those days the station was in fact called Glossop. Then the traveller would then have to board a coach and horses for the remainder of the way which made the total travel time about 5 hours.


On the 9^th June 1845 the one mile branch to Glossop opened for goods traffic but because it was built by the 13^th Duke of Norfolk it did not have to obtain an Act of Parliament. The former “Glossop” station became known as Dinting. The first station was a wooden structure until it was replaced by a permanent building in 1847. Another outer building was created and was known at “Glossop Junction” as well as an ornate engine shed. A coaling stage was created and a series of goods yards and shunting bays leading to Mottram Yard.

On 18th September 1855 a train stopped short of the platform. Not realising that they were still on the viaduct three passengers left the train and fell to their deaths.
In 1884 new facilities were built on the triangular junction they included ample accommodation, the Station Masters house, first and second class waiting rooms and even a home for the Permanent Way Inspector.  

Dinting Station was given a new lease of life in 1967 in the form of The Bahamas Locomotive Society a working steam engine museum that attracted thousands of people. The museum also attracted world famous engines such as the Blue Peter and Mallard. The Museum out grew Dinting and move to Yorkshire in 1991.

A couple of years ago Friends of Dinting Station was created to preserve and maintain Dinting Railway Station’s rich past.

By Matthew Cox

Check Out More Glossop History

A History of Glossop, Manchester & The Woodhead Railway Line