The "pleasant little
country town of Cranford" - Archaeology has shown
the existence of man at Tatton since around 8000BC and it is said
by many that Knutsford derives its name from the Danish King Canute
who supposedly 'forded' the River Lily in 1016. The name Cunetesford
appears in the Domesday Book (1086) and many names of Danish origin
are found in Knutsford. The towns first charter was granted
in 1292 and its central position in Cheshire led to it becoming
known as the 'Capital' of mid Cheshire. In 1955 Knutsford
received its own Armorial Bearings featuring the motto 'Respice,
Aspice, Prospice' (Look to the Past, the Present, and the Future)
and today it is one of England's most visited historic places with
the magnificent Tatton Park boasting two 'stately' homes. Knutsford
was twinned with Montmorency in France in 1984.
KING CANUTE
Danish King of England, circa 994-1035, who supposedly 'forded'
the Lily
stream, thus giving us Cunetesford as it appears in the Domesday
Book. An impressive mosaic can be seen at Canute Place.
THE
ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL
An ancient hostelry of obscure origins, and at one time a coaching
Inn, the Royal George has been the centre of Knutsford for centuries.
The George and Dragon became 'The Royal George' after a visit by
Queen Victoria in 1832. It has also been visited by Elizabeth Gaskell
and Highwayman Higgins. Found on King Street.
ELIZABETH
GASKELL
English novelist, 1810 to 1865, who spent most of her life, and was
married, in Knutsford. Her novel 'Cranford' is set in Victorian
Knutsford and the house where she grew up is situated on what is now
Gaskell Avenue. Her grave can be seen in the Brook
Street Unitarian Chapel grounds. See our Gaskell
section for more about the author...
Famous Names
Prince Ruperts Army;
Lord Clive of India;
John Astley;
Thomas Gaskell;
Sir Henry Holland;
Trumpet Major Smith;
Sir Henry Royce Bart;
Gen.George Patton;
John Wesley;
Alfred Waterhouse.
GASKELL
AVENUE
A row of Georgian houses now named Gaskell Avenue. Heathwaite,
No.17, was once home to Elizabeth Gaskell while Heath House, No.19,
was once the residence of Highwayman Higgins. Visitors can see Gaskell
Avenue, Cranford
Walk and the Gaskell Memorial Tower in the town.
HIGHWAYMAN
HIGGINS
Edward 'Highwayman'
Higgins was a gentleman by day and a thief by night, at one time
residing at a town house on what is now Gaskell Avenue. Higgins
was hanged for his crimes in 1767.
GASKELL
MEMORIAL TOWER
Situated at the Kings Coffee House, King Street, now Belle Epoque
Restaurant which has a courtyard with two pillars, both taken from
St. Peter's Church in Manchester. An example of the unique
style of architecture of Richard Harding Watt.
History
KING CANUTE
