This cache should be pretty easy to find.
I placed the cache here for my Dad (Ken) rather than myself.. Been meaning to do it for about two year so what better time to sort it out.. Christmas Eve !
I asked my Dad for some history about the Cache Location, this is what he had to say:
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Shawe House on Pennybridge Lane, Flixton
Built by Squire Ralph Wright for his son Thomas in the early 18th century.
This was one of the first houses to have running water. Water from the roof ran into a cast iron tank which supplied the taps and toilets etc in the house.
In 1826 Ralph Wright closed several paths on his estate to the people of Urmston & Flixton, one being next to Shawe House. In response the people of Flixton initiated a court case against Wright for public use of the paths. Eventually after many years the people won.
This led to the creation of “The Manchester Association For Preservations Of Ancient Foot Paths “ and the public right of way. Yes it all started here !!!! (not many people know that)
Urmston council acquired both Flixton & Shawe House, as well as other properties and 218 acres for £69,793 in 1934.
Penny Bridge Lane was named because there was a textile mill at the bottom of the Lane (now a school next to the Bird in’th Hand pub).
A hooter was sounded at the mill to signify start of work and if the workers had not made it over the bridge by that time they knew they couldn’t get to work in time and consequently were docked 1p from their wage ( a great incentive to be on time!)
28% of the Urmston and Flixton population worked in textiles in 1851.
I acquired Shawe House by tender from the council in 1979 as its first owner. I sold it in 1984, soon after it was converted into its current use.
Ken Leadbetter
