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'''Congleton''' is a [[market town]] and [[civil parish]] in [[Cheshire East]], [[Cheshire]], England. | '''Congleton''' is a [[market town]] and [[civil parish]] in the borough of [[Cheshire East]], in [[Cheshire]], England. The town is on the [[River Dane]], {{convert|21|mi|km}} south of [[Manchester]] and {{convert|13|mi|km}} north of [[Stoke on Trent]]. At the [[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]], the town's built-up area had a population of 30,005, while the parish had a population of 28,497. | ||
==Toponymy== | ==Toponymy== | ||
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The first settlements in the Congleton area were [[Neolithic]]. [[Stone Age]] and [[Bronze Age]] artefacts have been found in the town.<ref name="Congleton Museum website">{{cite web |title=The History of Congleton |url=http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/9.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162217/http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/9.html |archive-date=21 July 2011 |access-date=7 October 2010 |website=[[Congleton Museum]]}}</ref> Congleton was once thought to have been a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] settlement, although there is no archaeological or documentary evidence to support this. Congleton became a [[market town]] after [[Vikings]] destroyed nearby Davenport. | The first settlements in the Congleton area were [[Neolithic]]. [[Stone Age]] and [[Bronze Age]] artefacts have been found in the town.<ref name="Congleton Museum website">{{cite web |title=The History of Congleton |url=http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/9.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162217/http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/9.html |archive-date=21 July 2011 |access-date=7 October 2010 |website=[[Congleton Museum]]}}</ref> Congleton was once thought to have been a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] settlement, although there is no archaeological or documentary evidence to support this. Congleton became a [[market town]] after [[Vikings]] destroyed nearby Davenport. | ||
[[Godwin, Earl of Wessex]] held the town in the [[Saxon]] period. The town is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.domesdaybook.co.uk/cheshire1.html |title=The Domesday Book Online|access-date=7 October 2010}}</ref> where it is listed as ''Cogeltone: Bigot de Loges''. [[William the Conqueror]] granted the whole of Cheshire to his nephew the [[Earl of Chester]] who constructed several fortifications including the town's castle in 1208. In the 13th century, Congleton belonged to the [[de Lacy]] family.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> [[Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln|Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln]] granted the [[Corporation of Congleton]] its first charter in 1272, enabling it to hold fairs and markets, elect a mayor and ale taster, have a [[merchant guild]] and [[Decapitation|behead]] known criminals.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> | [[Godwin, Earl of Wessex]] held the town in the [[Saxon]] period. The town is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.domesdaybook.co.uk/cheshire1.html |title=The Domesday Book Online|access-date=7 October 2010}}</ref> where it is listed as ''Cogeltone: Bigot de Loges''. [[William the Conqueror]] granted the whole of Cheshire to his nephew the [[Earl of Chester]] who constructed several fortifications including the town's castle in 1208. In the 13th century, Congleton belonged to the [[de Lacy]] family.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> [[Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln|Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln]] granted the [[Corporation of Congleton]] its first charter in 1272, enabling it to hold fairs and markets, elect a mayor and ale taster, have a [[Gild Merchant|merchant guild]] and [[Decapitation|behead]] known criminals.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> | ||
In 1451, the River Dane flooded, destroying a number of buildings, the town's mill and a wooden bridge.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> The river was diverted, and the town was rebuilt on higher ground. | In 1451, the River Dane flooded, destroying a number of buildings, the town's mill and a wooden bridge.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> The river was diverted, and the town was rebuilt on higher ground. | ||
Congleton became known for [[bear-baiting]] and [[cockfighting]] in the 1620s, when they were popular sports.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/><ref name="Bearwardsandtheirsocialstatus">{{Cite news |date=24 November 2022 |title=Bearwards and their social status |pages=4–5 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> The town was unable to attract large crowds to its bear-baiting contests and lacked the money to pay for a new, more aggressive bear. A legend tells that Congleton spent the money they were going to spend on a | Congleton became known for [[bear-baiting]] and [[cockfighting]] in the 1620s, when they were popular sports.<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/><ref name="Bearwardsandtheirsocialstatus">{{Cite news |date=24 November 2022 |title=Bearwards and their social status |pages=4–5 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> The town was unable to attract large crowds to its bear-baiting contests and lacked the money to pay for a new, more aggressive bear. A legend tells that Congleton spent the money they were going to spend on a Bible on a bear; this legend is only partly true as only part of the fund to buy a new Bible was used to buy a new bear.<ref name="Bearwardsandtheirsocialstatus"/> The legend earned Congleton the nickname Beartown. The chorus of 20th-century folk song "Congleton Bear",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.thorp/lyrcongl.htm|title=Congleton Bear Lyrics|access-date=9 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183512/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.thorp/lyrcongl.htm|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> by folk artist [[John Tams]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.thorp/index.html|title=John Tams information|access-date=9 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819232558/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.thorp/index.html|archive-date=19 August 2007}}</ref> runs: | ||
:Congleton Rare, Congleton Rare | :Congleton Rare, Congleton Rare | ||
:Sold the Bible to buy a bear. | :Sold the Bible to buy a bear. | ||
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[[File:Old Mill (1753-1830) in 1902.png|thumb|The [[List of textile mills in Cheshire#Congleton|Old Mill]] and the town corn mill photographed in 1902; the mill became unstable and Roldane Mill was built on the site in 1923. The mill was demolished in 2003, and sheltered housing is being built here.]] | [[File:Old Mill (1753-1830) in 1902.png|thumb|The [[List of textile mills in Cheshire#Congleton|Old Mill]] and the town corn mill photographed in 1902; the mill became unstable and Roldane Mill was built on the site in 1923. The mill was demolished in 2003, and sheltered housing is being built here.]] | ||
King [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] granted permission to build a mill. Congleton became an important centre of textile production, especially leather gloves and [[lace]].<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> Congleton had an early [[silk throwing]] mill, the [[List of textile mills in Cheshire#Congleton|Old Mill]] built by John Clayton and Nathaniel Pattison in 1753.<ref name="Callandine">{{cite journal|last=Callandine|first=Anthony|year=1993|title=Lombe's Mill: An Exercise in reconstruction|journal=Industrial Archaeology Review|publisher=Maney Publishing|volume=XVI|issue=1|issn=0309-0728}}</ref> More mills followed | King [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] granted permission to build a mill. Congleton became an important centre of textile production, especially leather gloves and [[lace]].<ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> Congleton had an early [[silk throwing]] mill, the [[List of textile mills in Cheshire#Congleton|Old Mill]] built by John Clayton and Nathaniel Pattison in 1753.<ref name="Callandine">{{cite journal|last=Callandine|first=Anthony|year=1993|title=Lombe's Mill: An Exercise in reconstruction|journal=Industrial Archaeology Review|publisher=Maney Publishing|volume=XVI|issue=1|issn=0309-0728}}</ref> More mills followed and cotton was also spun. The town's prosperity depended on [[tariff]]s imposed on imported silk. When tariffs were removed in the 1860s, the empty mills were converted to [[fustian]] cutting. A limited silk ribbon weaving industry survived into the 20th century, and woven labels were still produced in the 1990s. Many mills survive as industrial or residential units.<ref name=bdghs>[http://www.dmoore.org.uk/bdghs/2007.htm#24 Fustian Mills Talk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403005943/http://www.dmoore.org.uk/bdghs/2007.htm |date=3 April 2015 }} Lyndon Murgatroyd 2007</ref> | ||
[[File:Congleton water tower.jpg|thumb|upright|Congleton water tower built 1881]] | [[File:Congleton water tower.jpg|thumb|upright|Congleton water tower built 1881]] | ||
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The current hospital in Congleton was opened by the [[George VI|Duke of York]] on 22 May 1924.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History and Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=87}}</ref> | The current hospital in Congleton was opened by the [[George VI|Duke of York]] on 22 May 1924.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History and Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=87}}</ref> | ||
In 1920, the Marie Hall home for boys was established in West House, an 18th-century house on West Road, as a branch of the [[National Children’s Home]]. It became an [[approved school]] in 1935 and was renamed Danesford School. It was converted into a Community Home with Education in 1973, run jointly by NCH and Cheshire County Council. Danesford has since closed, and the Grade II listed buildings have been converted for residential use.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marie Hall Home / Danesford School, Congleton, Cheshire |url=https://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/CongletonNCH/ |website=www.childrenshomes.org.uk |access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|num=1130481|desc=DANESFORD SCHOOL (NATIONAL | In 1920, the Marie Hall home for boys was established in West House, an 18th-century house on West Road, as a branch of the [[National Children’s Home]]. It became an [[approved school]] in 1935 and was renamed Danesford School. It was converted into a Community Home with Education in 1973, run jointly by NCH and Cheshire County Council. Danesford has since closed, and the Grade II listed buildings have been converted for residential use.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marie Hall Home / Danesford School, Congleton, Cheshire |url=https://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/CongletonNCH/ |website=www.childrenshomes.org.uk |access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|num=1130481|desc=DANESFORD SCHOOL (NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOMES)}}</ref> | ||
Congleton elected its first Lady Mayor in November 1945.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 November 1945 |title=Congleton Elects Its First Lady Mayor |page=7 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | Congleton elected its first Lady Mayor in November 1945.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 November 1945 |title=Congleton Elects Its First Lady Mayor |page=7 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
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During the celebration marking 700 years of Congleton's Charter in 1972 Queen [[Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip]] visited Congleton in May, this was the first visit by a reigning monarch since the visit of King [[George V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] in 1913.<ref name="Alcock">{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History and Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=104}}</ref> | During the celebration marking 700 years of Congleton's Charter in 1972 Queen [[Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip]] visited Congleton in May, this was the first visit by a reigning monarch since the visit of King [[George V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] in 1913.<ref name="Alcock">{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History and Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=104}}</ref> | ||
In 1983 [[Princess Michael of Kent]] visited Congleton.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 October 1983 |title=Princess happy to extend vist |page=13 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19831006/013/0013 |url-access=subscription |access-date=17 June 2023 |via=[[British Newspaper Archive]]}}</ref> | In 1983, [[Princess Michael of Kent]] visited Congleton.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 October 1983 |title=Princess happy to extend vist |page=13 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19831006/013/0013 |url-access=subscription |access-date=17 June 2023 |via=[[British Newspaper Archive]]}}</ref> | ||
Between 2008 and 2010 Congleton broke 3 world records.<ref name="WorldRecords">{{Cite news |date=2010-10-04 |title=Congleton records a hat-trick |url= | Between 2008 and 2010 Congleton broke 3 world records.<ref name="WorldRecords">{{Cite news |date=2010-10-04 |title=Congleton records a hat-trick |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/local/stoke/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9059000/9059967.stm |access-date=2025-04-07 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> | ||
During the celebration marking 700 years of Mayoralty in Congleton in 2018 the [[Charles III|Prince of Wales]] and the [[Duchess of Cornwall Camilla|Duchess of Cornwall]] visited the town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-25 |title=Congleton Welcomes The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall |url=https://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/congleton-welcomes-the-prince-of-wales-the-duchess-of-cornwall/ |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=Congleton Town Council}}</ref> | During the celebration marking 700 years of Mayoralty in Congleton in 2018 the [[Charles III|Prince of Wales]] and the [[Duchess of Cornwall Camilla|Duchess of Cornwall]] visited the town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-25 |title=Congleton Welcomes The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall |url=https://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/congleton-welcomes-the-prince-of-wales-the-duchess-of-cornwall/ |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=Congleton Town Council}}</ref> | ||
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In 2022 a celebration marked the 750th anniversary of Congleton's first charter. An ale taster was appointed as part of the celebrations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watterson |first=Kaleigh |date=2022-03-31 |title=Town appoints ale taster as part of 750th celebrations |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-60935226 |access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=31 March 2022 |title=Here for the beer: Congleton appoints ale taster for town anniversary |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/31/congleton-appoints-ale-taster-to-mark-the-towns-750th-anniversary |access-date=22 December 2022}}</ref> | In 2022 a celebration marked the 750th anniversary of Congleton's first charter. An ale taster was appointed as part of the celebrations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watterson |first=Kaleigh |date=2022-03-31 |title=Town appoints ale taster as part of 750th celebrations |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-60935226 |access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=31 March 2022 |title=Here for the beer: Congleton appoints ale taster for town anniversary |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/31/congleton-appoints-ale-taster-to-mark-the-towns-750th-anniversary |access-date=22 December 2022}}</ref> | ||
In 2023 part of the Congleton town centre was regenerated as part of the Congleton Market Quarter project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rack |first=Susie |date=29 September 2023 |title=Market revival aims to redefine town centre |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-66948174 |access-date=2023-09-29 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The regenerated part of Congleton town centre is named the "Congleton Market Quarter" and opened in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2024 |title=Market Quarter plans for future expansion|page=4 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> Another phase of expansion for the "Congleton Market Quarter" was announced in December 2024, and due for completion in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Gary |date=14 December 2024 |title=Plans for next phase of town's 'Market Quarter' regeneration unveiled |newspaper=[[Stoke Sentinel]]|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/plans-next-phase-towns-market-9750601}}</ref> | In 2023 part of the Congleton town centre was regenerated as part of the Congleton Market Quarter project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rack |first=Susie |date=29 September 2023 |title=Market revival aims to redefine town centre |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-66948174 |access-date=2023-09-29 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The regenerated part of Congleton town centre is named the "Congleton Market Quarter" and opened in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2024 |title=Market Quarter plans for future expansion|page=4 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> Another phase of expansion for the "Congleton Market Quarter" was announced in December 2024, and was due for completion in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Gary |date=14 December 2024 |title=Plans for next phase of town's 'Market Quarter' regeneration unveiled |newspaper=[[Stoke Sentinel|Stoke-on-Trent Live]]|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/plans-next-phase-towns-market-9750601}}</ref> | ||
On 28 September 2024 Congleton appointed its first female town crier.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2024 |last=Walker|first=Melanie|title=Oyez! Town has a new (female) voice |page=Front Page |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | On 28 September 2024 Congleton appointed its first female town crier.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2024 |last=Walker|first=Melanie|title=Oyez! Town has a new (female) voice |page=Front Page |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
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There are two tiers of local government covering Congleton, at [[civil parish]] (town) and [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] level: [[Congleton Town Council]] and [[Cheshire East Council]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=29 January 2025}}</ref> The town council is based at [[Congleton Town Hall]] on High Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact us |url=https://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/contact-us/ |website=Congleton Town Council |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> | There are two tiers of local government covering Congleton, at [[civil parish]] (town) and [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] level: [[Congleton Town Council]] and [[Cheshire East Council]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=29 January 2025}}</ref> The town council is based at [[Congleton Town Hall]] on High Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact us |url=https://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/contact-us/ |website=Congleton Town Council |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
The [[Congleton (UK Parliament constituency)|Congleton parliamentary constituency]] is a [[county constituency]] represented in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. It includes the towns of Congleton, [[Alsager]], [[Holmes Chapel]] | The [[Congleton (UK Parliament constituency)|Congleton parliamentary constituency]] is a [[county constituency]] represented in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. It includes the towns of Congleton, [[Alsager]], [[Holmes Chapel]] and [[Sandbach]]. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the [[first-past-the-post]] system of election. The current MP is [[Sarah Russell (politician)|Sarah Russell]] of the [[Labour (UK)|Labour Party]], the previous incumbent was [[Fiona Bruce (politician)|Fiona Bruce]] of the [[Conservative (UK)|Conservative Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watterson |first=Kaleigh |date=5 July 2024 |title=Historic wins for Labour in Cheshire |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2q0k73zpl0o |access-date=6 July 2024 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> | ||
===Administrative history=== | ===Administrative history=== | ||
Congleton was historically one of twelve [[Township (England)|townships]] within the [[ancient parish]] of [[Astbury, Cheshire|Astbury]], and formed part of the [[Hundreds of Cheshire|Northwich hundred]] of Cheshire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congleton Chapelry / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10113544 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> From the 17th century onwards, parishes were gradually given various civil functions under the [[poor laws]], in addition to their original ecclesiastical functions. In some cases, including Astbury, the civil functions were exercised by each township separately rather than the parish as a whole. In 1866, the legal definition of 'parish' was changed to be the areas used for administering the poor laws, and so Congleton became a [[civil parish]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume II, Northern England |date=1991 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0861931270 |page=xv}}</ref> | Congleton was historically one of twelve [[Township (England)|townships]] within the [[ancient parish]] of [[Astbury, Cheshire|Astbury]], and formed part of the [[Hundreds of Cheshire|Northwich hundred]] of Cheshire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congleton Chapelry / Civil Parish |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10113544 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> From the 17th century onwards, parishes were gradually given various civil functions under the [[poor laws]], in addition to their original ecclesiastical functions. In some cases, including Astbury, the civil functions were exercised by each township separately rather than the parish as a whole. In 1866, the legal definition of 'parish' was changed to be the areas used for administering the poor laws, and so Congleton became a [[civil parish]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume II, Northern England |date=1991 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0861931270 |page=xv}}</ref> | ||
The Congleton township was granted a [[municipal charter]] making it a [[ancient borough|borough]] by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. The charter itself is not dated, but is generally assumed to have been issued in 1272, the same year that Lacy became Earl of Lincoln.<ref>{{cite book |title=Report of the Commissioners appointed to | The Congleton township was granted a [[municipal charter]] making it a [[ancient borough|borough]] by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. The charter itself is not dated, but is generally assumed to have been issued in 1272, the same year that Lacy became Earl of Lincoln.<ref>{{cite book |title=Report of the Commissioners appointed to enquire into the Municipal Corporations in England and Wales |date=1835 |page=2649 |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Report_of_the_Commissioners_Appointed_to/MHBTAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA2649&printsec=frontcover |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="Congleton Museum website"/> The borough was reformed to become a [[municipal borough]] in 1836 under the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835]], which standardised how most boroughs operated across the country.<ref>{{cite book |title=Municipal Corporations Act |date=1835 |page=459 |url=https://archive.org/details/statutesunitedk35britgoog/page/458/mode/2up |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> In 1837, the government's boundary commissioners recommended that [[Buglawton]] should be brought within the borough boundaries, but their recommendations were not implemented.<ref>{{cite book |title=Report on the Proposed Municipal Boundary and Division into Wards of the Borough of Congleton |date=1837 |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Parliamentary_Papers/iEwSAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PP355&printsec=frontcover |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> Buglawton was eventually absorbed into the borough in 1936.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buglawton Urban District |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10137100#tab02 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=29 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
The municipal borough of Congleton was abolished in 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congleton Municipal Borough |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10025333 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> Its area became part of a larger [[Congleton (borough)|Congleton borough]] which also covered nearby towns and surrounding rural areas.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039| | The municipal borough of Congleton was abolished in 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congleton Municipal Borough |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10025333 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> Its area became part of a larger [[Congleton (borough)|Congleton borough]] which also covered nearby towns and surrounding rural areas.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|access-date=3 March 2023}}</ref> No [[successor parish]] was created for the area of the old municipal borough at the time of the 1974 reforms, but a new parish of Congleton was subsequently created in 1980, with its parish council taking the name Congleton Town Council.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Parish of Congleton Order 1980 |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20221202003804mp_/https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lgbce/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/12251/congleton-the-parish-of-congleton-order-1980.pdf |website=Local Government Boundary Commission for England |publisher=The National Archives |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=5 November 1980 |title=New council — a new era |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-sentinel-new-council-a-new-era/181223523/ |access-date=17 September 2025 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |page=9}}</ref> | ||
In 2009, Cheshire East Council was created, taking over the functions of the borough council and [[Cheshire County Council]], which were both abolished.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Cheshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008|year=2008|number=634|access-date=8 May 2024}}</ref> | In 2009, Cheshire East Council was created, taking over the functions of the borough council and [[Cheshire County Council]], which were both abolished.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Cheshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008|year=2008|number=634|access-date=8 May 2024}}</ref> | ||
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<span class="anchor" id="Mossley"></span> | <span class="anchor" id="Mossley"></span> | ||
[[File:Congleton Brookside Mill 2569.JPG|thumb|Brook Mill, a textile mill that has been converted to residential units, on a brook leading to the [[River Dane]] in the centre of Congleton. Behind are trees on the steep northern bank]] | [[File:Congleton Brookside Mill 2569.JPG|thumb|Brook Mill, a textile mill that has been converted to residential units, on a brook leading to the [[River Dane]] in the centre of Congleton. Behind are trees on the steep northern bank]] | ||
Mossley is sometimes classed as the wealthier part of town. Hightown is located in Mossley. [[West Heath, Cheshire|West Heath]] is an estate built in the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Lower Heath lies to the north of the town. There is also the town centre. | Mossley is sometimes classed as the wealthier part of town. Hightown is located in Mossley. [[West Heath, Cheshire|West Heath]] is an estate built in the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Lower Heath lies to the north of the town. There is also the town centre.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
Congleton is in the valley of the [[River Dane]]. South of the town lies an expanse of green space known locally as Priesty Fields which forms a green corridor right into the heart of the town – a rare feature in English towns. Folklore says that Priesty Fields gained its name as there was no priest performing services within the town. The nearest priest was based at the nearby village of [[Newbold Astbury|Astbury]]. It is told that the priest would walk along an ancient medieval pathway which ran between the fields at the Parish Church in Astbury and [[St Peter's Church, Congleton|St Peter's Church]] in Congleton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mythsandlegendsofcheshire.blogspot.com/2011/04/priesty-fields-congleton.html|title=Myths and Legends of Cheshire: PRIESTY FIELDS, CONGLETON|last=Stubbs|first=Gill|date=2011-04-26|website=Myths and Legends of Cheshire|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> | Congleton is in the valley of the [[River Dane]]. South of the town lies an expanse of green space known locally as Priesty Fields which forms a green corridor right into the heart of the town – a rare feature in English towns. Folklore says that Priesty Fields gained its name as there was no priest performing services within the town. The nearest priest was based at the nearby village of [[Newbold Astbury|Astbury]]. It is told that the priest would walk along an ancient medieval pathway which ran between the fields at the Parish Church in Astbury and [[St Peter's Church, Congleton|St Peter's Church]] in Congleton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mythsandlegendsofcheshire.blogspot.com/2011/04/priesty-fields-congleton.html|title=Myths and Legends of Cheshire: PRIESTY FIELDS, CONGLETON|last=Stubbs|first=Gill|date=2011-04-26|website=Myths and Legends of Cheshire|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
The principal industries in Congleton include the manufacture of [[airbag]]s and [[golf ball]]s. There are light engineering factories near the town and [[Sand mining|sand extraction]] occurs on the [[Cheshire Plain]].<ref>{{Cite book |date=May 2022 |title=Congleton Transport Development Plan |url=https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s95402/Appendix%20B%20-%20Congleton%20LTDP.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701213650/https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s95402/Appendix%20B%20-%20Congleton%20LTDP.pdf |archive-date=1 July 2022 |access-date=30 August 2022 |publisher=Cheshire East Council |page=3 |format=PDF<!--Deny Citation Bot-->}}</ref> | The principal industries in Congleton include the manufacture of [[airbag]]s and [[golf ball]]s.{{CN|date=December 2025}} There are light engineering factories near the town and [[Sand mining|sand extraction]] occurs on the [[Cheshire Plain]].<ref>{{Cite book |date=May 2022 |title=Congleton Transport Development Plan |url=https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s95402/Appendix%20B%20-%20Congleton%20LTDP.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701213650/https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s95402/Appendix%20B%20-%20Congleton%20LTDP.pdf |archive-date=1 July 2022 |access-date=30 August 2022 |publisher=Cheshire East Council |page=3 |format=PDF<!--Deny Citation Bot-->}}</ref> | ||
One of the most prominent industries during the nineteenth century onwards was Berisfords Ribbons, established in 1858.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berisfords-ribbons.co.uk/about-us/heritage/|title=Heritage – Berisfords Ribbons|website=berisfords-ribbons.co.uk|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> It was founded by Charles Berisford and his brothers Francis and William. The brothers leased part of [[Victoria Mill]], on Foundry Bank, owning the entire factory by 1872. By 1898, the company had offices in [[London]], Manchester, [[Leeds]] and [[Bristol]]. | One of the most prominent industries during the nineteenth century onwards was Berisfords Ribbons, established in 1858.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berisfords-ribbons.co.uk/about-us/heritage/|title=Heritage – Berisfords Ribbons|website=berisfords-ribbons.co.uk|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> It was founded by Charles Berisford and his brothers Francis and William. The brothers leased part of [[Victoria Mill]], on Foundry Bank, owning the entire factory by 1872. By 1898, the company had offices in [[London]], Manchester, [[Leeds]] and [[Bristol]]. | ||
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[[Congleton Museum]] is on Market Square, in the centre of town. It was established in 2002 and is dedicated to Congleton's industrial history. It also contains an ancient [[log boat]] and gold and silver [[Numismatics|coin hoards]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Congleton Museum|url=http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/|url-status=live|website=congletonmuseum.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051226013743/http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk:80/ |archive-date=26 December 2005 }}</ref> Congleton Tourist Information Centre is on the town's High Street. | [[Congleton Museum]] is on Market Square, in the centre of town. It was established in 2002 and is dedicated to Congleton's industrial history. It also contains an ancient [[log boat]] and gold and silver [[Numismatics|coin hoards]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Congleton Museum|url=http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/|url-status=live|website=congletonmuseum.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051226013743/http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk:80/ |archive-date=26 December 2005 }}</ref> Congleton Tourist Information Centre is on the town's High Street. | ||
[[File:Congleton Park 2456.JPG|thumb|Congleton Park from the Jubilee Pavilion]] | [[File:Congleton Park 2456.JPG|thumb|Congleton Park from the Jubilee Pavilion]] | ||
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Congleton hosts two annual musical festivals, Congleton Jazz and Blues and Congleton Unplugged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2023 |title=What goes into creating Congleton's music festivals? |page=16 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | Congleton hosts two annual musical festivals, Congleton Jazz and Blues and Congleton Unplugged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2023 |title=What goes into creating Congleton's music festivals? |page=16 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
The town once hosted the [[Congleton Carnival]] a one-day carnival which was hosted once every two years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 April 2023 |title=Pride invites firms to sponsor 2023 event |page=4 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> In the past the carnival was regarded as one of the best local carnivals in England | Congleton hosts an annual environment event knows as a Green Fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 September 2025 |title=Excitement building for green fair|department=The social pages|page=15 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
The town once hosted the [[Congleton Carnival]] a one-day carnival which was hosted once every two years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 April 2023 |title=Pride invites firms to sponsor 2023 event |page=4 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> In the past, the carnival was regarded as one of the best local carnivals in England and used to last for up to three days and feature floats and live music among another attractions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton Carnival – A History – Congleton Heritage Festival |url=https://congletonheritagefestival.com/events/congleton-carnival-a-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815224057/https://congletonheritagefestival.com/events/congleton-carnival-a-history/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=congletonheritagefestival.com}}</ref> | |||
A yearly garden party was once hosted at Mossley House, which was demolished in the early 2010s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 June 1960 |title=£110 raised at Mossley garden party |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-weekly-sentinel-potteries/179648134/ |access-date=25 August 2025 |newspaper=Staffordshire Weekly Sentinel (Potteries edition) |page=4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s15529/Item%203%2011%203695C.pdf |title=MOSSLEY HOUSE, BIDDULPH ROAD, CONGLETON planning application |publisher=[[Cheshire East Council]] |pages=1 |access-date=25 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314025344/https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/s15529/Item%203%2011%203695C.pdf |archive-date=14 March 2024 |url-status=live|format=PDF<!--Deny Citation Bot-->}}</ref> | |||
For six months in summer 2011 Congleton hosted an event called "Bearmania",<ref name="Bearmania">{{Cite web |title=Bearmania – 2011 The Congleton Year of the Bear! |url=https://www.congletonpartnership.co.uk/marketing/bearmania/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Congleton Partnership}}</ref> in which over sixty 5-foot fibreglass sculptures where placed around the town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bounds |first=Andrew |date=15 September 2011 |title=Congleton: Bearmania puts market town on the map |newspaper=[[Financial Times]]|location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5b5f83a2-d4ae-11e0-a7ac-00144feab49a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5b5f83a2-d4ae-11e0-a7ac-00144feab49a |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref> Over 26,000 people came to see the bears during "Bearmania".<ref name="Bearmania" /> | For six months in summer 2011 Congleton hosted an event called "Bearmania",<ref name="Bearmania">{{Cite web |title=Bearmania – 2011 The Congleton Year of the Bear! |url=https://www.congletonpartnership.co.uk/marketing/bearmania/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=Congleton Partnership}}</ref> in which over sixty 5-foot fibreglass sculptures where placed around the town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bounds |first=Andrew |date=15 September 2011 |title=Congleton: Bearmania puts market town on the map |newspaper=[[Financial Times]]|location=London |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5b5f83a2-d4ae-11e0-a7ac-00144feab49a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5b5f83a2-d4ae-11e0-a7ac-00144feab49a |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref> Over 26,000 people came to see the bears during "Bearmania".<ref name="Bearmania" /> | ||
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Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC North West]] and [[ITV Granada]]. Television signals are received from the [[Winter Hill transmitting station|Winter Hill]] and the local relay transmitters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Winter_Hill |title=Full Freeview on the Winter Hill (Bolton, England) transmitter |date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Congleton |title=Freeview Light on the Congleton (Cheshire East, England) transmitter|date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref> | Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC North West]] and [[ITV Granada]]. Television signals are received from the [[Winter Hill transmitting station|Winter Hill]] and the local relay transmitters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Winter_Hill |title=Full Freeview on the Winter Hill (Bolton, England) transmitter |date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Congleton |title=Freeview Light on the Congleton (Cheshire East, England) transmitter|date=May 2004 |publisher=UK Free TV |access-date=28 September 2023}}</ref> | ||
Congleton did have its own community radio station Beartown FM,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.beartownfm.co.uk/about-us |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525051313/http://www.beartownfm.co.uk/about-us |archive-date=25 May 2012 |access-date=12 August 2022 |website=Beartown FM}}</ref> but this has now closed. There is an internet-only radio station, Congleton Radio, which started broadcasting on 25 June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton Radio launches tonight Saturday 25th | Congleton did have its own community radio station Beartown FM,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.beartownfm.co.uk/about-us |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525051313/http://www.beartownfm.co.uk/about-us |archive-date=25 May 2012 |access-date=12 August 2022 |website=Beartown FM}}</ref> but this has now closed. There is an internet-only radio station, Congleton Radio, which started broadcasting on 25 June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton Radio launches tonight Saturday 25th June at 7pm |url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F107998191756992%2Fposts%2Fpfbid031v3YmDjyX7p8n8SSYhYPtLA93d7WsfZfEYfqdiND2xKYMyPUJvYbSsQGUTQg7BYzl%2F%3Fd%3Dn |access-date=4 August 2022 |via=Facebook |publisher=Congleton Radio}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=August 2022}} | ||
==Sport== | ==Sport== | ||
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===Railway=== | ===Railway=== | ||
[[File:Congleton station.jpg|thumb|Congleton railway station in 2018]] | [[File:Congleton station.jpg|thumb|Congleton railway station in 2018]] | ||
[[Congleton railway station]] was opened by the [[North Staffordshire Railway]] on 9 October 1848. It is situated on the [[Stafford-Manchester Line|Stafford-Manchester spur]] of the [[West Coast Main Line]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton Station Information |url=https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/congleton |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716144619/https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/CNG |archive-date=16 July 2017 |access-date=2019-09-20 |website=northernrailway.co.uk}}</ref> There is generally an hourly stopping service between [[Manchester Piccadilly]] and [[Stoke-on-Trent railway station|Stoke-on-Trent]], and rail replacement bus services on Sundays (every 2 to 3 hours), with trains operated by [[Northern Trains]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=North West Sunday timetable update {{!}} Northern |url=https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/amended-sunday-timetables |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=www.northernrailway.co.uk | [[Congleton railway station]] was opened by the [[North Staffordshire Railway]] on 9 October 1848. It is situated on the [[Stafford-Manchester Line|Stafford-Manchester spur]] of the [[West Coast Main Line]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton Station Information |url=https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/congleton |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716144619/https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/CNG |archive-date=16 July 2017 |access-date=2019-09-20 |website=northernrailway.co.uk}}</ref> There is generally an hourly stopping service between [[Manchester Piccadilly]] and [[Stoke-on-Trent railway station|Stoke-on-Trent]], and rail replacement bus services on Sundays (every 2 to 3 hours), with trains operated by [[Northern Trains]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=North West Sunday timetable update {{!}} Northern |url=https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/amended-sunday-timetables |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=www.northernrailway.co.uk}}</ref> | ||
The [[Biddulph Valley line]] used to terminate in the town. The railway ran from Stoke-on-Trent to [[Brunswick Wharf]], in the suburb of [[Buglawton]]. Passenger services ended in 1927,<ref name="y">{{cite web |title=Activities and Information About the Biddulph Valley Way |url=https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/ranger_service/countryside_sites/biddulph_valley_way/activities_and_information.aspx |website=Chesire East Council |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref> with freight services continuing until 1968 when the line was closed.<ref name="y"/> | The [[Biddulph Valley line]] used to terminate in the town. The railway ran from Stoke-on-Trent to [[Brunswick Wharf]], in the suburb of [[Buglawton]]. Passenger services ended in 1927,<ref name="y">{{cite web |title=Activities and Information About the Biddulph Valley Way |url=https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/ranger_service/countryside_sites/biddulph_valley_way/activities_and_information.aspx |website=Chesire East Council |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref> with freight services continuing until 1968, when the line was closed.<ref name="y"/> | ||
===Buses=== | ===Buses=== | ||
Congleton is served by | Congleton is served by eight bus routes, operated by [[D&G Bus]]; there are no services on Sundays. Destinations include [[Alsager]], [[Macclesfield]], [[Crewe]] and [[Newcastle-under-Lyme|Newcastle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Congleton – bustimes.org |url=https://bustimes.org/localities/congleton |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=bustimes.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bus Services {{!}} D&G Bus |url=https://www.dgbus.co.uk/bus-services/?region=Cheshire |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=www.dgbus.co.uk}}</ref> | ||
===Roads=== | ===Roads=== | ||
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===Waterways=== | ===Waterways=== | ||
[[File:Canal bridges at Hightown in Congleton, Cheshire - geograph.org.uk - 4255065.jpg|thumb|The | [[File:Canal bridges at Hightown in Congleton, Cheshire - geograph.org.uk - 4255065.jpg|thumb|The Macclesfield Canal at Hightown in Congleton]] | ||
The [[Macclesfield Canal]], completed in 1831, passes through the town. It runs {{convert|26|mi}} from Marple Junction at [[Marple, Greater Manchester|Marple]], where it joins the [[Peak Forest Canal|Upper Peak Forest Canal]], southwards (through | |||
The [[Macclesfield Canal]], completed in 1831, passes through the town. It runs {{convert|26|mi}} from Marple Junction at [[Marple, Greater Manchester|Marple]], where it joins the [[Peak Forest Canal|Upper Peak Forest Canal]], southwards (through Bollington and Macclesfield), before arriving at [[Bosley]]. Having descended the 12 Bosley Locks over the course of about a mile (1.6 km), the canal continues through Congleton to a junction with the Hall Green Branch of the [[Trent & Mersey Canal]] at Hall Green. The canal is renowned for its elegant [[roving bridge]]s.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} Congleton is one of few places in Britain where a road, canal and railway all cross each other at the same place.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} | |||
===Air=== | ===Air=== | ||
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==Religion== | ==Religion== | ||
[[File:St Peter's Church, Chapel Street, Congleton (NHLE Code 1330322) (May 2022) (9).jpg|thumb|St Peter's Church, Congleton, from the south]] | [[File:St Peter's Church, Chapel Street, Congleton (NHLE Code 1330322) (May 2022) (9).jpg|thumb|St Peter's Church, Congleton, from the south]] | ||
[[File:Holy Trinity Church, Mossley, Congleton.jpg|thumb| Holy Trinity Church, Mossley, Congleton]] | |||
The four [[Anglican]] churches in Congleton (forming a partnership in the All Saints Congleton parish<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 July 2022 |title=New name for parish of Congleton as church looks to the future |page=Front Page |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref>) are: | The four [[Anglican]] churches in Congleton (forming a partnership in the All Saints Congleton parish<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 July 2022 |title=New name for parish of Congleton as church looks to the future |page=Front Page |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref>) are: | ||
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* St Stephen's | * St Stephen's | ||
* [[St Peter's Church, Congleton|St Peter's]] | * [[St Peter's Church, Congleton|St Peter's]] | ||
* Trinity | * Holy Trinity | ||
Congleton Town Council lists eleven other places of worship in the town:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/community/places-of-worship/ |title=Places of Worship |access-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104224808/http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/community/places-of-worship/ |archive-date=4 January 2013 }}</ref> | Congleton Town Council lists eleven other places of worship in the town:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/community/places-of-worship/ |title=Places of Worship |access-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104224808/http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/community/places-of-worship/ |archive-date=4 January 2013 }}</ref> | ||
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===Primary schools=== | ===Primary schools=== | ||
*Astbury St Mary's C of E School<ref>{{cite web|title= Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School |website= get-information-schools.service.gov.uk|url= https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/145720|access-date=31 March 2025}}</ref> | * Astbury St Mary's C of E School<ref>{{cite web|title= Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School |website= get-information-schools.service.gov.uk|url= https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/145720|access-date=31 March 2025}}</ref> | ||
*Black Firs Primary School<ref>{{cite news|last=Yates |first=Jay |date= 27 April 2023 |title= Show goes on for actor who followed his dreams |page=27|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * Black Firs Primary School<ref>{{cite news|last=Yates |first=Jay |date= 27 April 2023 |title= Show goes on for actor who followed his dreams |page=27|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*Buglawton Primary School<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 March 2025 |title=Replacement pre-school plan will be considered |page=40 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * Buglawton Primary School<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 March 2025 |title=Replacement pre-school plan will be considered |page=40 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*Daven Primary School<ref>{{cite news|date=7 December 2023 |title=Launch of new family hub in the town centre |page=40|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * Daven Primary School<ref>{{cite news|date=7 December 2023 |title=Launch of new family hub in the town centre |page=40|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*Havannah Primary School<ref>{{cite news|last=Greensmith|first=Alex|date=14 February 2023|title= £1000 mental health boost to Congleton primary school |work=Congleton Nub News|url= https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/ps1000-mental-health-boost-to-congleton-primary-school-171479|access-date=2023-03-11}}</ref> | *Havannah Primary School<ref>{{cite news|last=Greensmith|first=Alex|date=14 February 2023|title= £1000 mental health boost to Congleton primary school |work=Congleton Nub News|url= https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/ps1000-mental-health-boost-to-congleton-primary-school-171479|access-date=2023-03-11}}</ref> | ||
*Marlfields Primary Academy<ref>{{cite news|last=Connolly |first=James |date= 30 March 2023 |title= Ofsted condemned after teacher's death |page=5|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * Marlfields Primary Academy<ref>{{cite news|last=Connolly |first=James |date= 30 March 2023 |title= Ofsted condemned after teacher's death |page=5|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*Mossley CE Primary School<ref>{{cite web|date=18 June 2024|title=Officers work hard to keep road users safe |website=Cheshire Constabulary|department=News|url= https://www.cheshire.police.uk/news/cheshire/news/articles/2024/6/officers-work-hard-to-keep-road-users-safe/ |access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> | * [[Mossley CE Primary School]]<ref>{{cite web|date=18 June 2024|title=Officers work hard to keep road users safe |website=Cheshire Constabulary|department=News|url= https://www.cheshire.police.uk/news/cheshire/news/articles/2024/6/officers-work-hard-to-keep-road-users-safe/ |access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> | ||
*St Mary's Catholic Primary School<ref>{{cite news|date= 1 December 2022 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "10 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * St Mary's Catholic Primary School<ref>{{cite news|date= 1 December 2022 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "10 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*The Quinta Primary School<ref>{{Cite news|last=Walker|first=Melanie|date=27 March 2025 |title=Tree-planting method hails from Far East|page=10 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * The Quinta Primary School<ref>{{Cite news|last=Walker|first=Melanie|date=27 March 2025 |title=Tree-planting method hails from Far East|page=10 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
===High and secondary schools=== | ===High and secondary schools=== | ||
*[[Congleton High School]]<ref>{{cite news|date= 23 March 2023 |title= Another 'good' Ofsted is 'fair assessment' |page=40|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * [[Congleton High School]]<ref>{{cite news|date= 23 March 2023 |title= Another 'good' Ofsted is 'fair assessment' |page=40|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*[[Eaton Bank Academy]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Greensmith|first=Alex |date=9 December 2022 |title=Congleton: Former Eaton Bank pupils raise thousands for cancer charity |url=https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/congleton-former-eaton-bank-pupils-raise-thousands-for-cancer-charity-162849 |work=Congleton Nub News|access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref> | * [[Eaton Bank Academy]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Greensmith|first=Alex |date=9 December 2022 |title=Congleton: Former Eaton Bank pupils raise thousands for cancer charity |url=https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/congleton-former-eaton-bank-pupils-raise-thousands-for-cancer-charity-162849 |work=Congleton Nub News|access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref> | ||
=== Special and alternative schools=== | === Special and alternative schools=== | ||
*Aidenswood School<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aidenswood School |url=https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/125814 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=get-information-schools.service.gov.uk}}</ref> | * Aidenswood School<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aidenswood School |url=https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/125814 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=get-information-schools.service.gov.uk}}</ref> | ||
*Esland Daven School<ref>{{cite news|title=Expanding specialist school records a loss|date=18 July 2024|department=Business News|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]|page=10}}</ref> | * Esland Daven School<ref>{{cite news|title=Expanding specialist school records a loss|date=18 July 2024|department=Business News|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]|page=10}}</ref> | ||
{{Div col end}} | {{Div col end}} | ||
==Notable people== | ==Notable people== | ||
[[File: | [[File:John Bradshaw, George Perfect Harding.png|thumb|upright=0.5|John Bradshaw]] | ||
[[File:Elizabeth Wolstenholme 001.jpg|thumb|upright=0. | [[File:Elizabeth Wolstenholme 001.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Elizabeth Wolstenholme]] | ||
[[File:George Eardley VC.jpg|thumb|upright=0. | [[File:George Eardley VC.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|George Harold Eardley VC MM]] | ||
[[File:Jackie Oates 2010.jpg|thumb|upright=0. | [[File:Jackie Oates 2010.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Jackie Oates, 2010]] | ||
[[File:Ann Packer (1964).jpg|thumb|upright=0. | [[File:Ann Packer (1964).jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Ann Packer, 1964]] | ||
=== Public service and commerce === | === Public service and commerce === | ||
| Line 241: | Line 248: | ||
* [[Sir John Parnell, 2nd Baronet]] (1744–1801), Anglo-Irish Member of Parliament,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PARNELL, Sir John, 2nd Bt. (1744-1801), of Rathleague, Queen's Co. {{!}} History of Parliament Online |url=http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1790-1820/member/parnell-sir-john-1744-1801 |website=historyofparliamentonline.org}}</ref> his family originally migrated to Ireland from Congleton | * [[Sir John Parnell, 2nd Baronet]] (1744–1801), Anglo-Irish Member of Parliament,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PARNELL, Sir John, 2nd Bt. (1744-1801), of Rathleague, Queen's Co. {{!}} History of Parliament Online |url=http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1790-1820/member/parnell-sir-john-1744-1801 |website=historyofparliamentonline.org}}</ref> his family originally migrated to Ireland from Congleton | ||
* [[Robert Hodgson (dean of Carlisle)|Robert Hodgson]] (1773–1844), priest, [[Dean of Carlisle]] | * [[Robert Hodgson (dean of Carlisle)|Robert Hodgson]] (1773–1844), priest, [[Dean of Carlisle]] | ||
*[[Thomas Reade (British Army officer)|Sir Thomas Reade]] (1782–1849), British Army Officer and Napoleon's Jailer.<ref>{{Cite news|date= 11 July 2024 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "10 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * [[Thomas Reade (British Army officer)|Sir Thomas Reade]] (1782–1849), British Army Officer and Napoleon's Jailer.<ref>{{Cite news|date= 11 July 2024 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "10 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
* [[Gibbs Antrobus]] (1793–1861), diplomat and politician,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANTROBUS, Gibbs Crawfurd (1793-1861), of Eaton Hall, nr. Congleton, Cheshire and 11 Grosvenor Square, Mdx. {{!}} History of Parliament Online |url=http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/member/antrobus-gibbs-1793-1861 |website=historyofparliamentonline.org}}</ref> long-established family in Congleton | * [[Gibbs Antrobus]] (1793–1861), diplomat and politician,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANTROBUS, Gibbs Crawfurd (1793-1861), of Eaton Hall, nr. Congleton, Cheshire and 11 Grosvenor Square, Mdx. {{!}} History of Parliament Online |url=http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/member/antrobus-gibbs-1793-1861 |website=historyofparliamentonline.org}}</ref> long-established family in Congleton | ||
* [[Hewett Watson]] (1804–1881), phrenologist, botanist and evolutionary theorist | * [[Hewett Watson]] (1804–1881), phrenologist, botanist and evolutionary theorist | ||
| Line 252: | Line 259: | ||
* [[George Harold Eardley]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History & Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=95}}</ref><!-- Book does not say whether it was the French or Belgian Croix de Guerre that was awarded to George Harold Eardley-->(1912–1991), received the [[Victoria Cross]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=36870|supp=y|page=139|date=29 December 1944}}</ref> in 1944<ref>{{Cite web|title=George Harold Eardley|url=http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/cheshire.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527162824/http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/cheshire.htm|archive-date=27 May 2012|website=victoriacross.org.uk}}</ref> | * [[George Harold Eardley]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History & Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=95}}</ref><!-- Book does not say whether it was the French or Belgian Croix de Guerre that was awarded to George Harold Eardley-->(1912–1991), received the [[Victoria Cross]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=36870|supp=y|page=139|date=29 December 1944}}</ref> in 1944<ref>{{Cite web|title=George Harold Eardley|url=http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/cheshire.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527162824/http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/cheshire.htm|archive-date=27 May 2012|website=victoriacross.org.uk}}</ref> | ||
* [[John Blundell (economist)|John Blundell]] (1952–2014), Director General<ref>[https://www.atlasnetwork.org/news/article/in-memoriam-john-blundell-1952-2014 ATLAS NETWORK, 22 July 2014, IN MEMORIAM: JOHN BLUNDELL (1952–2014)] retrieved December 2017</ref> at the [[Institute of Economic Affairs]] | * [[John Blundell (economist)|John Blundell]] (1952–2014), Director General<ref>[https://www.atlasnetwork.org/news/article/in-memoriam-john-blundell-1952-2014 ATLAS NETWORK, 22 July 2014, IN MEMORIAM: JOHN BLUNDELL (1952–2014)] retrieved December 2017</ref> at the [[Institute of Economic Affairs]] | ||
* [[Dawn Gibbins]] (1961–2022)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Laura |date=15 February 2022 |title=Tributes as 'secret millionaire' Dawn dies after 30 years of business brilliance |newspaper=Stoke Sentinel |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/business/tributes-secret-millionaire-dawn-dies-6657862.amp |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215054911/https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/business/tributes-secret-millionaire-dawn-dies-6657862 | * [[Dawn Gibbins]] (1961–2022)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Laura |date=15 February 2022 |title=Tributes as 'secret millionaire' Dawn dies after 30 years of business brilliance |newspaper=Stoke Sentinel |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/business/tributes-secret-millionaire-dawn-dies-6657862.amp |url-status=live |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215054911/https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/business/tributes-secret-millionaire-dawn-dies-6657862|archive-date=15 February 2022}}</ref> entrepreneur,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coventry |first=Laura |date=7 January 2011 |title=Appearance on Secret Millionaire inspired me to change direction in life, reveals entrepreneur Dawn Gibbins |newspaper=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/appearance-on-secret-millionaire-inspired-me-to-change-1091550 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214014645/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/appearance-on-secret-millionaire-inspired-me-to-change-1091550 |archive-date=14 February 2018}}</ref> started flooring company Flowcrete in [[Sandbach]] with her father. | ||
*[[Sarah Russell (politician)|Sarah Alison Russell]] (born | *[[Sarah Russell (politician)|Sarah Alison Russell]] (born unknown) <ref>{{Cite web |title=Sarah Russell |url=https://www.congletonlabourparty.co.uk/sarah-russell |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=www.congletonlabourparty.co.uk}}</ref> MP for [[Congleton (UK Parliament constituency)|Congleton constituency]] since 5 July 2024. | ||
=== Arts === | === Arts === | ||
* [[Alan Garner]] (born 1934), novelist best known for his children's fantasy novels | * [[Alan Garner]] (born 1934),<ref>{{cite book |title=A Fine Anger: A Critical Introduction to the Work of Alan Garner |last=Philip |first=Neil |year=1981 |publisher=Collins |location=London |isbn=978-0-00-195043-6|page=11}}</ref> novelist best known for his children's fantasy novels | ||
* [[Louise Plowright]] (1956–2016), actress<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12182352/Louise-Plowright-actress-obituary.html|title=Louise Plowright, actress - obituary|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 March 2016| | * [[Louise Plowright]] (1956–2016), actress<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12182352/Louise-Plowright-actress-obituary.html|title=Louise Plowright, actress - obituary|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 March 2016|access-date=7 January 2025|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210215903/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12182352/Louise-Plowright-actress-obituary.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* [[Emma Bossons]] (born 1976 in Congleton), ceramic artist and designer for [[Moorcroft]] Pottery<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Melanie |date=9 March 2023 |title=Potter is 'honoured' to be Throw Down judge |page=14 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | * [[Emma Bossons]] (born 1976 in Congleton), ceramic artist and designer for [[Moorcroft]] Pottery<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Melanie |date=9 March 2023 |title=Potter is 'honoured' to be Throw Down judge |page=14 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
* [[Jackie Oates]] (born 1983 in Congleton),<ref>{{cite news|url= https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/congleton-musician-launches-traditional-folk-music-project-for-kids|title= Congleton musician launches traditional folk music project for kids|last=Greensmith|first=Alex|publisher=Congleton Nub News|department=Local News|date=2 March 2022| | * [[Jackie Oates]] (born 1983 in Congleton),<ref>{{cite news|url= https://congleton.nub.news/news/local-news/congleton-musician-launches-traditional-folk-music-project-for-kids|title= Congleton musician launches traditional folk music project for kids|last=Greensmith|first=Alex|publisher=Congleton Nub News|department=Local News|date=2 March 2022| access-date=7 January 2024}}</ref> folk singer and fiddle player | ||
=== Sports === | === Sports === | ||
| Line 269: | Line 276: | ||
* [[Ian Brightwell]] (born 1968), former [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] footballer with 464 club caps; grew up in Congleton | * [[Ian Brightwell]] (born 1968), former [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] footballer with 464 club caps; grew up in Congleton | ||
* [[Paul Ware]] (1970–2013), footballer who played 233 games including 155 for [[Stoke City F.C.]] | * [[Paul Ware]] (1970–2013), footballer who played 233 games including 155 for [[Stoke City F.C.]] | ||
* [[John Gimson]] (born 1983), sailor, silver medallist at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]], lives in Congleton.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bottomley |first=Lee |date=27 September 2023 |title=Olympians claim Irish Sea sailing record |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-66939940 |access-date=2023-09-28 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> | |||
*[[John Gimson]] (born 1983), sailor, silver medallist at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]], lives in Congleton.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bottomley |first=Lee |date=27 September 2023 |title=Olympians claim Irish Sea sailing record |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-66939940 |access-date=2023-09-28 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> | * [[Amy Rodgers]] (born 2000), football player for Bristol City WFC and Scotland,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/players/?pid=673615&lid=2 |title=Amy Rodgers |publisher=Scottish FA |access-date=11 March 2025}}</ref> started her career at Vale Juniors Congleton. | ||
*[[Amy Rodgers]] (born 2000), football player for Bristol City WFC and Scotland,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/players/?pid=673615&lid=2 |title=Amy Rodgers |publisher=Scottish FA |access-date=11 March 2025}}</ref> started her career at Vale Juniors Congleton. | |||
== Twin towns – sister cities == | == Twin towns – sister cities == | ||
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in England}} | {{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in England}} | ||
Congleton is twinned with: | Congleton is twinned with: | ||
*[[Trappes]], France, since 16 September 1962<ref>{{cite web |title=Les jumelages|url=https://www.trappes.fr/mairie/decouvrir-la-ville/les-jumelages|website=trappes.fr|publisher=Trappes|language=fr|access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref> | * [[Trappes]], France, since 16 September 1962<ref>{{cite web |title=Les jumelages|url=https://www.trappes.fr/mairie/decouvrir-la-ville/les-jumelages|website=trappes.fr|publisher=Trappes|language=fr|access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref> | ||
== Aldermen | == Aldermen, alderwomen and freemen == | ||
The following is a list of people who have been either an | The following is a list of people who have been either an alderman, alderwoman or freeman of Congleton, and when the title was bestowed. | ||
{{columns-list|colwidth=18em| | {{columns-list|colwidth=18em| | ||
*A.J. Solly<ref>{{Cite news|date= 9 December 2021 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "100 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | |||
*A.J. Solly | *Solly<ref>{{Cite news|date= 26 September 2024 |title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "100 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref><!-- Cite does not give full name, so this Alderman could be A.J. Solly who is mentioned above, however no evidence to back this up yet --> | ||
*Solly | *Ernest Hancock<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History & Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=100}}</ref> | ||
*Ernest Hancock | *J.A. Clayton<ref name="ChroniclingThePast">{{Cite news|date= 8 February 2024 |title= Chronicling the past<br>Bringing old characters to life |page=27|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*J.A. Clayton | *John Smith<ref>{{Cite book |last=Alcock |first=Joan P. |title=History and Guide Congleton |publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd |date=30 June 2003 |isbn=0752429469 |location=Stroud |page=115}}</ref> | ||
*John Smith | *Massie Harper<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2022 |title=Remarkable family with local link |page=7 |newspaper=Congleton Chronicle}}</ref> | ||
*Massie Harper | *Harold Burns<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 August 1972 |title=BY-PASS YES,<br />BUT MAYOR<br />HAS MIXED<br />FEELINGS |page=12 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/868443351/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
*Harold Burns | *H.W. Howard<ref name="ChroniclingThePast" /> | ||
*H.W. Howard | *W.I. Fern [[Justice of the peace|J.P.]]<ref name="DayByDay">{{Cite news |date=15 May 1934 |title=* DAY BY DAY * |page=6 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/808032261/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> | ||
*W.I. Fern [[Justice of the peace|J.P.]] | *S. Maskery<ref name="GrandOldMan">{{Cite news |date=4 September 1931 |title=CONGLETON'S<br />"GRAND<br />OLD MAN."<br />79th Birthday of<br />Ald. S. Maskery.<br />SEVEN TIMES MAYOR. |page=3 |newspaper=Evening Sentinel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/808841702/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
*S. Maskery | *Fred Jackson (alderman and freeman)<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 October 1953 |title=Honouring Congleton Public Men |page=2 |newspaper=Evening Sentinel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111567939/honouring-congleton-public-men/ |access-date=19 October 2022 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
*Fred Jackson ( | *Frederick Barton<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 November 1945 |title=ANOTHER ALDERMAN RESIGNS |page=1 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*Frederick Barton | *D. Charlesworth<ref name="RoyalTour">{{Cite news |date=5 May 1972 |title=Thrilling start to Royal tour with 'meet the people' stroll |page=Front page |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/868115615/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> | ||
*D. Charlesworth | *W.H. Semper<ref name="RoyalTour" /> | ||
*W.H. Semper | *R.A. Daniel<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH">{{Cite news |date=30 October 1953 |title=HONORARY FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH |page=4 |newspaper=Staffordshire Weekly Sentinel |url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-weekly-sentinel-potteries/127049183/ |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> | ||
*R.A. Daniel | *S. Moores<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH" /> | ||
*S. Moores | *A. Gleeson<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH" /> | ||
*A. Gleeson | *Jackson [[Justice of the peace|JP]]<ref>{{Cite news|date= 17 August 2023|title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "100 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref><!-- Cite does not give full name, so this Alderman could be Fred Jackson who is mentioned above; however, no evidence to back this up yet --> | ||
*Jackson [[Justice of the peace|JP]] | *F Jackson<ref>{{Cite news|date= 15 August 2024|title= Extracts from the Chronicle Files "100 years ago" |department= Glancing Back|page=6|newspaper=Congleton Chronicle}}</ref><!-- Cite does not give full name, so this Alderman could be Fred Jackson who is mentioned above, however no evidence to back this up yet --> | ||
*F Jackson | *Shepard<ref name="SEATVACANT">{{Cite news |date=4 September 1931 |title=CONGLETON TOWN COUNCIL<br>ALDERMANIC SEAT VACANT|page=3 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url= https://www-newspapers.com/image/973077680/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=11 April 2024 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
*Shepard | *Wright<ref name="SEATVACANT" /> | ||
*Wright | *Isaac Salt<ref name="SEATVACANT" /> | ||
*Isaac Salt | *W. H. Semper<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 1963 |title=Congleton still friends with twin town|page=2 |newspaper=[[Evening Sentinel]] |url= https://www.newspapers.com/image/868443956/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=17 September 2025 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
* | *M. Pass ( 1937)<ref>{{Cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ydFRAQAAIAAJ |title=History of Congleton<br> Published to Celebrate the 700th Anniversary of the Granting of the Charter to the Town |publisher=Manchester University Press |year=1970 |editor-last=Stevans |editor-first=W.B. |location=Manchester |page=108 |isbn=978-0-7190-1245-7 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> | ||
*Frank Dale (Freeman 1938, Alderman ???)<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH" /> | |||
*G. Rowell ( | *G. Rowell (November 1945)<ref name="ThreenewAldermen">{{Cite news |date=11 November 1945 |title=Three new Aldermen |page=8 |newspaper=[[Congleton Chronicle]]}}</ref> | ||
*W. Newton ( | *W. Newton (November 1945)<ref name="ThreenewAldermen" /> | ||
*W.F. O'Reilly ( | *W.F. O'Reilly (November 1945)<ref name="ThreenewAldermen" /> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 314: | Line 320: | ||
The following is a list of people who have had freedom of Congleton and when the freedom was bestowed. | The following is a list of people who have had freedom of Congleton and when the freedom was bestowed. | ||
*S. Maskery (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton early 1900s)<ref name="GrandOldMan"/> | *S. Maskery (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton early 1900s)<ref name="GrandOldMan"/> | ||
*W.L. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 1934 |title=Freedom of Congleton |page=10 |newspaper= | *W.L. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 1934 |title=Freedom of Congleton |page=10 |newspaper=Evening Sentinel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/808032496/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=25 June 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> | ||
*W. I. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)<ref name="DayByDay"/> | *W. I. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)<ref name="DayByDay"/> | ||
*Frank Dale (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton October 1953)<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH" /> | *Frank Dale (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton October 1953)<ref name="HONORARYFREEDOMOFTHEBOROUGH" /> | ||
| Line 342: | Line 348: | ||
File:Astbury Mere entrance.jpg|[[Astbury Mere]] | File:Astbury Mere entrance.jpg|[[Astbury Mere]] | ||
File:Daneside Theatre.jpg|[[Daneside Theatre]] in March 2022 | File:Daneside Theatre.jpg|[[Daneside Theatre]] in March 2022 | ||
File:Mossley Village Hall.jpg|Mossley Village Hall, Mossley, Congleton in 2025 | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{portal|Cheshire}} | {{portal|Cheshire}} | ||
*[[Listed buildings in Congleton]] | * [[Listed buildings in Congleton]] | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 352: | Line 359: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
===Citations=== | |||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==Sources== | ===Sources=== | ||
*{{cite book |author=Head, Robert |title=Congleton Past and Present. |url=https://archive.org/details/congletonpastpre01head |publisher= Robert Head |year=1887}} | * {{cite book |author=Head, Robert |title=Congleton Past and Present. |url=https://archive.org/details/congletonpastpre01head |publisher= Robert Head |year=1887}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons and category}} | {{Commons and category}} | ||
*[http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/ Congleton Town Council website] | * [http://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/ Congleton Town Council website] | ||
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Congleton |volume=6 |short=x}} | * {{cite EB1911|wstitle=Congleton |volume=6 |short=x}} | ||
*[http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/ Congleton Museum] – local history museum and education resource | * [http://www.congletonmuseum.co.uk/ Congleton Museum] – local history museum and education resource | ||
{{Cheshire}} | {{Cheshire}} | ||
{{authority control}} | {{authority control}} | ||
[[Category:Congleton | [[Category:Congleton]] | ||
[[Category:Towns in Cheshire]] | [[Category:Towns in Cheshire]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:20, 29 December 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "other uses". Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Short descriptionScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Congleton is a market town and civil parish in the borough of Cheshire East, in Cheshire, England. The town is on the River Dane, Script error: No such module "convert". south of Manchester and Script error: No such module "convert". north of Stoke on Trent. At the 2021 census, the town's built-up area had a population of 30,005, while the parish had a population of 28,497.
Toponymy
The town's name is of unknown origin. The first recorded reference to it was in 1282, when it was spelt Congelton. The element Congle might relate to the old Norse kang meaning a bend, followed by the Old English element tun meaning settlement.[1]
History
The first settlements in the Congleton area were Neolithic. Stone Age and Bronze Age artefacts have been found in the town.[2] Congleton was once thought to have been a Roman settlement, although there is no archaeological or documentary evidence to support this. Congleton became a market town after Vikings destroyed nearby Davenport.
Godwin, Earl of Wessex held the town in the Saxon period. The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086,[3] where it is listed as Cogeltone: Bigot de Loges. William the Conqueror granted the whole of Cheshire to his nephew the Earl of Chester who constructed several fortifications including the town's castle in 1208. In the 13th century, Congleton belonged to the de Lacy family.[2] Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln granted the Corporation of Congleton its first charter in 1272, enabling it to hold fairs and markets, elect a mayor and ale taster, have a merchant guild and behead known criminals.[2]
In 1451, the River Dane flooded, destroying a number of buildings, the town's mill and a wooden bridge.[2] The river was diverted, and the town was rebuilt on higher ground.
Congleton became known for bear-baiting and cockfighting in the 1620s, when they were popular sports.[2][4] The town was unable to attract large crowds to its bear-baiting contests and lacked the money to pay for a new, more aggressive bear. A legend tells that Congleton spent the money they were going to spend on a Bible on a bear; this legend is only partly true as only part of the fund to buy a new Bible was used to buy a new bear.[4] The legend earned Congleton the nickname Beartown. The chorus of 20th-century folk song "Congleton Bear",[5] by folk artist John Tams,[6] runs:
- Congleton Rare, Congleton Rare
- Sold the Bible to buy a bear.
During the Civil War, former mayor and lawyer John Bradshaw became president of the court which sent Charles I to his execution in 1649. His signature as Attorney General was the first on the king's death warrant.[2] A plaque on Bradshaw House in Lawton Street commemorates him. Almost opposite the town hall, the White Lion public house bears a blue plaque, placed by the Congleton Civic Society, which reads: "The White Lion, built 16–17th century. Said to have housed the attorney's office where John Bradshaw, regicide, served his articles."[7]
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King Edward I granted permission to build a mill. Congleton became an important centre of textile production, especially leather gloves and lace.[2] Congleton had an early silk throwing mill, the Old Mill built by John Clayton and Nathaniel Pattison in 1753.[8] More mills followed and cotton was also spun. The town's prosperity depended on tariffs imposed on imported silk. When tariffs were removed in the 1860s, the empty mills were converted to fustian cutting. A limited silk ribbon weaving industry survived into the 20th century, and woven labels were still produced in the 1990s. Many mills survive as industrial or residential units.[9]
In 1881, in order to improve the water supply to the town, a pumping station was built on Forge Lane to draw water from the springs in Forge Wood and pump it up to a water tower at the top of the hill. The red and yellow brick water tower was designed by the engineer William Blackshaw. A second adjacent tower was constructed later.[10][11][12]
Congleton Town Hall was designed in the Gothic style by Edward William Godwin. It was completed in 1866.[13]
The current hospital in Congleton was opened by the Duke of York on 22 May 1924.[14]
In 1920, the Marie Hall home for boys was established in West House, an 18th-century house on West Road, as a branch of the National Children’s Home. It became an approved school in 1935 and was renamed Danesford School. It was converted into a Community Home with Education in 1973, run jointly by NCH and Cheshire County Council. Danesford has since closed, and the Grade II listed buildings have been converted for residential use.[15][16]
Congleton elected its first Lady Mayor in November 1945.[17]
During the celebration marking 700 years of Congleton's Charter in 1972 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Congleton in May, this was the first visit by a reigning monarch since the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1913.[18]
In 1983, Princess Michael of Kent visited Congleton.[19]
Between 2008 and 2010 Congleton broke 3 world records.[20]
During the celebration marking 700 years of Mayoralty in Congleton in 2018 the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the town.[21]
In 2019 the serial rapist Joseph Mccann was arrested on a country lane in Congleton after a nationwide manhunt for him.[22]
In 2022 a celebration marked the 750th anniversary of Congleton's first charter. An ale taster was appointed as part of the celebrations.[23][24]
In 2023 part of the Congleton town centre was regenerated as part of the Congleton Market Quarter project.[25] The regenerated part of Congleton town centre is named the "Congleton Market Quarter" and opened in November 2023.[26] Another phase of expansion for the "Congleton Market Quarter" was announced in December 2024, and was due for completion in March 2025.[27]
On 28 September 2024 Congleton appointed its first female town crier.[28]
Governance
There are two tiers of local government covering Congleton, at civil parish (town) and unitary authority level: Congleton Town Council and Cheshire East Council.[29] The town council is based at Congleton Town Hall on High Street.[30]
The Congleton parliamentary constituency is a county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It includes the towns of Congleton, Alsager, Holmes Chapel and Sandbach. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first-past-the-post system of election. The current MP is Sarah Russell of the Labour Party, the previous incumbent was Fiona Bruce of the Conservative Party.[31]
Administrative history
Congleton was historically one of twelve townships within the ancient parish of Astbury, and formed part of the Northwich hundred of Cheshire.[32] From the 17th century onwards, parishes were gradually given various civil functions under the poor laws, in addition to their original ecclesiastical functions. In some cases, including Astbury, the civil functions were exercised by each township separately rather than the parish as a whole. In 1866, the legal definition of 'parish' was changed to be the areas used for administering the poor laws, and so Congleton became a civil parish.[33]
The Congleton township was granted a municipal charter making it a borough by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. The charter itself is not dated, but is generally assumed to have been issued in 1272, the same year that Lacy became Earl of Lincoln.[34][2] The borough was reformed to become a municipal borough in 1836 under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, which standardised how most boroughs operated across the country.[35] In 1837, the government's boundary commissioners recommended that Buglawton should be brought within the borough boundaries, but their recommendations were not implemented.[36] Buglawton was eventually absorbed into the borough in 1936.[37]
The municipal borough of Congleton was abolished in 1974.[38] Its area became part of a larger Congleton borough which also covered nearby towns and surrounding rural areas.[39] No successor parish was created for the area of the old municipal borough at the time of the 1974 reforms, but a new parish of Congleton was subsequently created in 1980, with its parish council taking the name Congleton Town Council.[40][41]
In 2009, Cheshire East Council was created, taking over the functions of the borough council and Cheshire County Council, which were both abolished.[42]
Geography
Mossley is sometimes classed as the wealthier part of town. Hightown is located in Mossley. West Heath is an estate built in the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Lower Heath lies to the north of the town. There is also the town centre.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Congleton is in the valley of the River Dane. South of the town lies an expanse of green space known locally as Priesty Fields which forms a green corridor right into the heart of the town – a rare feature in English towns. Folklore says that Priesty Fields gained its name as there was no priest performing services within the town. The nearest priest was based at the nearby village of Astbury. It is told that the priest would walk along an ancient medieval pathway which ran between the fields at the Parish Church in Astbury and St Peter's Church in Congleton.[43]
Economy
The principal industries in Congleton include the manufacture of airbags and golf balls.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". There are light engineering factories near the town and sand extraction occurs on the Cheshire Plain.[44]
One of the most prominent industries during the nineteenth century onwards was Berisfords Ribbons, established in 1858.[45] It was founded by Charles Berisford and his brothers Francis and William. The brothers leased part of Victoria Mill, on Foundry Bank, owning the entire factory by 1872. By 1898, the company had offices in London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol.
Congleton Market operates every Tuesday and Saturday from the Bridestones Centre.
Until about 2000, Super Crystalate balls, made of crystalate, were manufactured by The Composition Billiard Ball Company in Congleton. The company was then sold by its owner to Saluc S.A., the Belgian manufacturer of Aramith Balls. The name Super Crystalate was retained, but the manufacturing process was integrated into the standard process used for Aramith balls.[46][47]
Culture
The National Trust Tudor house Little Moreton Hall is Script error: No such module "convert". south-west of the town.[48]
Congleton Park is located along the banks of the River Dane, just north-east of the town centre. Town Wood, on the northern edge of the park, is a Grade A Site of Biological Interest and contains many nationally important plants.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Congleton Paddling Pool was built in the 1930s and is open in the summer months. Astbury Mere Country Park lies just to the south-west of the town centre, on the site of a former sand quarry.[49][50] The lake is used for fishing and sailing and, despite its name, is actually in the West Heath area of Congleton, with the boundary between Congleton and Newbold Astbury parishes lying further to the south.
The independently run 300 seat Daneside Theatre is on Park Road.[51] The 400-seat Clonter Opera Theatre is based in the village of Swettenham Heath, Script error: No such module "convert". north of Congleton. Founded in 1971, Congleton Choral Society is a mixed voice choir which regularly performs choral works at Congleton Town Hall and other venues around the town.
Congleton Museum is on Market Square, in the centre of town. It was established in 2002 and is dedicated to Congleton's industrial history. It also contains an ancient log boat and gold and silver coin hoards.[52] Congleton Tourist Information Centre is on the town's High Street.
The town annually hosts a food and drink festival,[53] which promotes locally sourced produce/cuisine, with a jazz and blues festival which showcases acts from across the UK. In 2019, Congleton held its first annual pride event.[54]
Congleton hosts two annual musical festivals, Congleton Jazz and Blues and Congleton Unplugged.[55]
Congleton hosts an annual environment event knows as a Green Fair.[56]
The town once hosted the Congleton Carnival a one-day carnival which was hosted once every two years.[57] In the past, the carnival was regarded as one of the best local carnivals in England and used to last for up to three days and feature floats and live music among another attractions.[58]
A yearly garden party was once hosted at Mossley House, which was demolished in the early 2010s.[59][60]
For six months in summer 2011 Congleton hosted an event called "Bearmania",[61] in which over sixty 5-foot fibreglass sculptures where placed around the town.[62] Over 26,000 people came to see the bears during "Bearmania".[61]
Media
There is one weekly local newspaper: the locally owned and financed Congleton Chronicle. The evening newspaper The Sentinel, based in Stoke-on-Trent, also covers the town although less so than in the past. Local radio is broadcast from nearby Macclesfield-based Silk Radio, Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire and Greatest Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire from Stoke-on-Trent and BBC Radio Stoke. Community radio is provided by Moorlands Radio in Leek and Canalside Community Radio in Bollington.
Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC North West and ITV Granada. Television signals are received from the Winter Hill and the local relay transmitters.[63][64]
Congleton did have its own community radio station Beartown FM,[65] but this has now closed. There is an internet-only radio station, Congleton Radio, which started broadcasting on 25 June 2022.[66]Template:Better source needed
Sport
Rugby union
Congleton is home to the third oldest rugby union club in the country, dating back to 1860. Currently fielding a mini and junior section and three adult sides,[67] the club held the world record for the longest continuous game of rugby ever played, at 24 hours, 30 minutes and 6 seconds. The club has also pioneered the development of 'walking rugby' for more senior players and has re-established a ladies' team, having previously had two of its women players represent England.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Football
The local football team, Congleton Town F.C., known as the Bears, play in the Northern Premier League First Division West.[68] Their ground is at Booth Street.
Tennis
Congleton Tennis Club, one of the oldest in the country (founded in 1890), have occupied the same grounds throughout their history. The club has nine courts: six all-weather courts and three with artificial grass. Four of the courts are floodlit.[69]
Basketball
Congleton Grizzlies Basketball Club is the town's basketball team.[70]
Other sports
There are two cricket clubs, Congleton CC and Mossley CC. There are two golf clubs in the town—the nine-hole Congleton Golf Club, and the 18-hole parkland course at Astbury. Congleton Harriers running club meets weekly at Congleton Leisure Centre.[71] The club organises the Congleton Half Marathon.[72] A weekly 5K parkrun takes place at Astbury Mere Country Park. Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Transport
Railway
Congleton railway station was opened by the North Staffordshire Railway on 9 October 1848. It is situated on the Stafford-Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line.[73] There is generally an hourly stopping service between Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent, and rail replacement bus services on Sundays (every 2 to 3 hours), with trains operated by Northern Trains.[74]
The Biddulph Valley line used to terminate in the town. The railway ran from Stoke-on-Trent to Brunswick Wharf, in the suburb of Buglawton. Passenger services ended in 1927,[75] with freight services continuing until 1968, when the line was closed.[75]
Buses
Congleton is served by eight bus routes, operated by D&G Bus; there are no services on Sundays. Destinations include Alsager, Macclesfield, Crewe and Newcastle.[76][77]
Roads
Congleton is Script error: No such module "convert". east of the M6 motorway, connected by the A534. It is on the A34 trunk road between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester, and the A54 to Buxton and the Peak District. The A536 links the town with Macclesfield, with the A527 linking the town to Biddulph and providing an alternative route to Stoke-on-Trent.
Waterways
The Macclesfield Canal, completed in 1831, passes through the town. It runs Script error: No such module "convert". from Marple Junction at Marple, where it joins the Upper Peak Forest Canal, southwards (through Bollington and Macclesfield), before arriving at Bosley. Having descended the 12 Bosley Locks over the course of about a mile (1.6 km), the canal continues through Congleton to a junction with the Hall Green Branch of the Trent & Mersey Canal at Hall Green. The canal is renowned for its elegant roving bridges.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Congleton is one of few places in Britain where a road, canal and railway all cross each other at the same place.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Air
The nearest airport to the town is Manchester Airport, Script error: No such module "convert". away.
Public services
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Policing in Congleton is provided by Cheshire Constabulary. The main police station is on Market Square.
Statutory emergency fire and rescue service is provided by the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Congleton Fire Station is on West Road, near the centre of town.
Congleton has a small Non-Accident and Emergency hospital, Congleton War Memorial Hospital, which was built by public subscription in 1924. The town is also served by Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Macclesfield District General Hospital and the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent.
Religion
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The four Anglican churches in Congleton (forming a partnership in the All Saints Congleton parish[78]) are:
- St John's
- St Stephen's
- St Peter's
- Holy Trinity
Congleton Town Council lists eleven other places of worship in the town:[79]
- Congleton Community Baptist Church[80]
- Brookhouse Green Methodist Church[81]
- New Life Church[82]
- Congleton Pentecostal Church[83]
- Rood Lane Methodist Church
- Congleton Spiritualist Church[84]
- St James' Anglican Church
- St Mary's Roman Catholic Church[85]
- Trinity Methodist Church
- Congleton United Reformed Church[86]
- Wellspring Methodist Church
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
Historically, Congleton has seen a wide range of Christian church denominations.
- The Friends' Meeting House closed in 1741.[87]
- The Wesleyan Methodist Trinity Chapel, in Wagg Street, was founded in 1766 and was rebuilt in 1808 and again in 1967; the Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in 1821 on Lawton Street, and rebuilt in 1890 on Kinsey Street; the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion Methodist chapel was founded in 1822; the Congleton Edge Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was built in 1833 and rebuilt in 1889; the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Brook Street was built in 1834; the New Connexion Methodist Chapel in Queen Street was built in 1836 and closed in 1969; the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Biddulph Road was built in 1840; the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Rood Lane was founded in 1861 and rebuilt in 1886.[87]
- The Unitarian Chapel in Cross Street was founded in 1687 near the Dane Bridge and in 1733 moved to Cross Street, with the present building constructed in 1883 and closed in 1978.
- The United Reformed Church (Independent/Congregationalist) was built in 1790 on Mill Street, and then rebuilt in 1876 on Antrobus Street.[87]
Education
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Primary schools
- Astbury St Mary's C of E School[88]
- Black Firs Primary School[89]
- Buglawton Primary School[90]
- Daven Primary School[91]
- Havannah Primary School[92]
- Marlfields Primary Academy[93]
- Mossley CE Primary School[94]
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School[95]
- The Quinta Primary School[96]
High and secondary schools
Special and alternative schools
Notable people
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Public service and commerce
- Saint Margaret Ward (ca.1550 – 1588), the "pearl of Tyburn", English Catholic martyr[101] executed during the reign of Elizabeth I for assisting a priest to escape from prison[102]
- John Bradshaw (1602–1659), judge,[103] sat as President of the High Court of Justice for the trial of King Charles I, Mayor of Congleton 1637–1638
- John Whitehurst (1713–1788), clockmaker[104] and scientist, member of the Lunar Society
- Sir John Parnell, 2nd Baronet (1744–1801), Anglo-Irish Member of Parliament,[105] his family originally migrated to Ireland from Congleton
- Robert Hodgson (1773–1844), priest, Dean of Carlisle
- Sir Thomas Reade (1782–1849), British Army Officer and Napoleon's Jailer.[106]
- Gibbs Antrobus (1793–1861), diplomat and politician,[107] long-established family in Congleton
- Hewett Watson (1804–1881), phrenologist, botanist and evolutionary theorist
- William Newton (1822–1876), trade unionist, journalist and Chartist
- Dennis Bradwell (1828–1897), silk mill owner and Mayor of Congleton 1875–1878.[108]
- Elizabeth Wolstenholme (1833–1918), suffragist, essayist and poet[109]
- Gerald Harrison (1883–1943), Royal Navy Rear-Admiral[110] and cricketer[111]
- Theodora Turner (1907–1999), born in Congleton, nurse[112] and hospital matron.
- Frank Kearton, Baron Kearton (1911–1992), life peer, scientist and industrialist
- George Harold Eardley[113](1912–1991), received the Victoria Cross[114] in 1944[115]
- John Blundell (1952–2014), Director General[116] at the Institute of Economic Affairs
- Dawn Gibbins (1961–2022)[117] entrepreneur,[118] started flooring company Flowcrete in Sandbach with her father.
- Sarah Alison Russell (born unknown) [119] MP for Congleton constituency since 5 July 2024.
Arts
- Alan Garner (born 1934),[120] novelist best known for his children's fantasy novels
- Louise Plowright (1956–2016), actress[121]
- Emma Bossons (born 1976 in Congleton), ceramic artist and designer for Moorcroft Pottery[122]
- Jackie Oates (born 1983 in Congleton),[123] folk singer and fiddle player
Sports
- Tommy Clare (1865–1929), international footballer (right-back) and football manager[124]
- George Clawley (1875–1920), football goalkeeper who played 331 games for Southampton F.C. & Spurs
- William Yates (1880–1967), racewalker, competed at the 1912 Summer Olympics[125]
- Hugh Moffat (1885–1952), footballer, played 201 games for Burnley F.C. and 162 for Oldham Athletic F.C.
- Ann Packer (born 1942) and Robbie Brightwell (1939–2022),[126] husband-and-wife Olympic gold medal athletes at the 1964 Summer Olympics. She lives locally.
- Ian Brightwell (born 1968), former Manchester City footballer with 464 club caps; grew up in Congleton
- Paul Ware (1970–2013), footballer who played 233 games including 155 for Stoke City F.C.
- John Gimson (born 1983), sailor, silver medallist at the 2020 Summer Olympics, lives in Congleton.[127]
- Amy Rodgers (born 2000), football player for Bristol City WFC and Scotland,[128] started her career at Vale Juniors Congleton.
Twin towns – sister cities
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Aldermen, alderwomen and freemen
The following is a list of people who have been either an alderman, alderwoman or freeman of Congleton, and when the title was bestowed. Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Freedom of Congleton
The following is a list of people who have had freedom of Congleton and when the freedom was bestowed.
- S. Maskery (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton early 1900s)[138]
- W.L. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)[149]
- W. I. Fern (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton 14 May 1934)[137]
- Frank Dale (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton October 1953)[142]
- Harry Williams (Freedom of the Borough of Congleton October 1953)[142]
Awards
The following is a list of awards the town of Congleton has won and the year the awards were won.
- World Record: Smallest Cow (???)[20]
- Civic Pride Award (1997)Template:Refn
- Civic Pride Competition (1999)Template:Refn
- Civic Pride Competition (2001)Template:Refn
- Community Pride (2006)Template:Refn
- Community Pride (2007)Template:Refn
- World Record: Biggest Maypole Dance (21 May 2008)[20]
- World Record: Most Frisbees Thrown At The Same Time[20]
- Little Gem (2011)Template:Refn
- Community Pride (2011)Template:Refn
- Community Pride (2012)Template:Refn
- Best Kept Village (2018)Template:Refn
- Best Kept Village Overall Winner (2018)Template:Refn
Gallery
-
Bluebells at Dane-in-Shaw Brook SSI
-
Daneside Theatre in March 2022
-
Mossley Village Hall, Mossley, Congleton in 2025
See also
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Notes
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References
Citations
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Sources
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
External links
- Congleton Town Council website
- Template:Cite EB1911
- Congleton Museum – local history museum and education resource
Script error: No such module "Navbox".