Grove Park, Altrincham

Image: © Anthony O'Neil Taken: 5 Nov 2013

This greensward, with its public playing fields, gives no clue to its origins or earlier history. It is the remnant of what was Hale Moss: indeed, it is bordered on the south (left) partly by Moss Lane and Grove Lane. In the distance, it reaches north westwards towards Stockport Road and incorporates a golf course, cricket ground, and ornamental pool. To the far left are allotments (1914) and Altrincham Football Ground (1910). Beyond that, until dismantled, were the Gas Works (1847) and Abattoir. In earlier centuries, it was a true moss - boggy land formed over a layer of impervious clay - with marsh, open heath, woodland and common pasture. Part of the Moss was later given to the people of Altrincham by the Earl of Stamford to form Stamford Park. In the 19th century, near to Delahays Road (then leading to Delahays Farm), was a brick works making use of the local clay. When the works closed, it left a large clay pit which flooded to form a lake - "Gibbons' Pond". Even after the War, and into the 1950s, this was a favourite (if hazardous) play area for local children, and popular with fishermen. There was rough meadow and scrub, wild plants, and many butterflies and dragonflies. As well as footpaths criss-crossing the area, a cinder track was eventually laid from Delahays Road along the lakeside. This mini wilderness was known locally as the “Donkey Field”. From the late 50s, it was progressively filled in with refuse by the Council, then levelled and grassed over to form Grove Park. [See also Hale Civic Society]

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