IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Thompson Fold, STALYBRIDGE, SK15 1TB

The southern end of Norman Road is blocked to vehicles preventing direct access to Stamford Street (the A635). On the other side of Stamford Street the view is dominated by Thompson Court, a 12-storey block built in the 1960s containing 44 flats.

The monument to a local chartist lies opposite West Hill School on Stamford Street and has given its name to the local area.

The modern Thompson Cross at West Hill is a stone cross on circular pillar, rising from a stepped circular base. The cross itself carries the words “Thompson Cross” (Image]). The monument was unveiled in 1893 near to the site of the original Thompson Cross which was possibly an ancient boundary marker which took its name from the Rev William Thomson, a rector of Ashton in Tudor times. Around 200 years ago, Thomas Harrison moved the remaining fragments of the ancient monument from the bottom of Ridge Hill Lane to the grounds of his near-by house which was known as Thompson Cross. The idea of erecting a new marker was promoted by the chief constable of Stalybridge, William Chadwick, who was an antiquarian. He promoted the project as a conscious attempt to link Stalybridge with its past. As with its counterpart at Hurst (Image]) , Thompson Cross was designed by John Eaton who also designed Tameside’s best known landmark, Hartshead Pike (Image]) . http://www.tameside.gov.uk/citizen/issue53/page6 Tameside Citizen http://www.pmsa.org.uk/pmsa-database/4493/ Public Monuments & Sculpture Association

The top of the monument (Image]) opposite West Hill School. The modern Thompson Cross at West Hill is a stone cross on a circular pillar, rising from a stepped circular base. The cross itself carries the words “Thompson Cross”. The monument was unveiled in 1893 near to the site of the original Thompson Cross which was possibly an ancient boundary marker which took its name from the Rev William Thomson, a rector of Ashton in Tudor times. Around 200 years ago, Thomas Harrison moved the remaining fragments of the ancient monument from the bottom of Ridge Hill Lane to the grounds of his near-by house which was known as Thompson Cross. The idea of erecting a new marker was promoted by the chief constable of Stalybridge, William Chadwick, who was an antiquarian. He promoted the project as a conscious attempt to link Stalybridge with its past.. As with its counterpart at Hurst (Image]) , Thompson Cross was designed by John Eaton who also designed Tameside’s best known landmark, Hartshead Pike (Image]) . http://www.tameside.gov.uk/citizen/issue53/page6 Tameside Citizen http://www.pmsa.org.uk/pmsa-database/4493/ Public Monuments & Sculpture Association

The modern Thompson Cross at West Hill is a stone cross on a circular pillar, rising from a stepped circular base. The cross itself (Image]) carries the words “Thompson Cross”. The monument was unveiled in 1893 near to the site of the original Thompson Cross which was possibly an ancient boundary marker which took its name from the Rev William Thomson, a rector of Ashton in Tudor times. Around 200 years ago, Thomas Harrison moved the remaining fragments of the ancient monument from the bottom of Ridge Hill Lane to the grounds of his near-by house which was known as Thompson Cross. The idea of erecting a new marker was promoted by the chief constable of Stalybridge, William Chadwick, who was an antiquarian. He promoted the project as a conscious attempt to link Stalybridge with its past.. As with its counterpart at Hurst (Image]), Thompson Cross was designed by John Eaton who also designed Tameside’s best known landmark, Hartshead Pike (Image]). http://www.tameside.gov.uk/citizen/issue53/page6 Tameside Citizen http://www.pmsa.org.uk/pmsa-database/4493/ Public Monuments & Sculpture Association

When I was a small boy, fire stations were interesting places. There would usually be a gleaming fire engine parked outside, with firemen ready to talk to a small boy and explain the bits and pieces. Now, fire stations are just red doors.

Looking east.

The 'cart road' provided access to the goods depot. Not required for the past 40 years, except as car parking.