Samuel Oldknow’s House in Stockport, Cheshire.  By Peter J Whitehead

Samuel Oldknow was the chief promoter of the Peak Forest Canal and, being a major shareholder, he was the driving force behind its construction. In order to expand his textile business he needed to move to Stockport, so he built a house on Higher Hillgate (now No. 27), and adjoining this he built his muslin mill in the 1780s, which was powered by a Boulton and Watt steam engine.

Subsequently the mill was closed and later the hat manufacturers, Christy and Company, occupied the site. The hat works remained open until 1997 following which it was demolished but Oldknow’s house was left standing. Although the doors and windows were boarded up, the house began to suffer from the effects of vandalism and the weather and soon it was in a state of disrepair.

However, as a result of the Hillgate Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hillgate Regeneration Scheme commenced and the house was saved. Because of its historic importance and connection with Samuel Oldknow, the house is now listed as a Grade II building. It is now undergoing sensitive restoration by Fairclough Homes and on completion it will contain seven apartments.

Prior to the commencement of the development, an archaeological survey of Oldknow’s muslin mill site was undertaken. A number of interesting finds were made, including the remains of the original engine house. The mill foundations were also revealed and all artefacts, including clay pipes, have been placed in the care of Stockport’s Heritage Services for display at the recently restored Staircase House in the Market Place.

The IWPS has been involved in the preparation of pupil's questionaires and teacher's notes for the Wild over Waterways education programme - check out the website for more details and download the teacher/pupil notes.

Trafalgar Marine Services have completed work on repairing a burnt-out narrowboat.  Now aptly renamed Phoenix, the craft which has been converted into a dayboat can be seen at Whaley Bridge Basin and is available for hire. Click the logo to visit their website to find out more,