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Moss Lane

 

A remote and delightful corner of Lowerhouse, The older properties here were built by Samuel Greg when he developed Lowerhouse with his workers in mind. In a private road at the bottom end are a collection of Greg houses with very distinctive roofs – large eave overhangs, very much in the German style. It was Greg who named Lowerhouse Goldenthal – the Happy Valley. Today we apply the name to the whole of Bollington. The picture is taken from the farthest end of Moss Lane looking back.

Approach off Moss Brow or Ridley Road.

Nearest shops – West Bollington.

Nearest pubs – Bayleaf, Cock & Pheasant.

Council Ward – West.

 

Along Moss Lane, Samuel Greg erected a building to serve as school and library. This was not just for the children – in the evenings, after working all day in the mill, their parents were also provided with classes in order to raise their level of education and their aspirations. He also provided them with allotments in order that they might grow sufficient fresh vegetables to feed themselves the year round.

The writer, Mrs Elizabeth Gaskell, used to stay with the Gregs at The Mount, their house in Flash Lane. Two of her books, North and South and  Mary Barton, are believed to be based on the relationships between the workers and the bosses at Lowerhouse.

Occording to an old map, Moss Lane used to continue all the way up what is today Moss Brow. See Albert Road for the old map covering this area. However, the lower part, Moss Lane today, was also known as Farm Lane for a time in the 19thC.

The cottages by the junction of Moss Lane and Ridley Road were once a grocery shop with the shopkeeper and his family living next door.
This view is taken from just beyond the cottage looking along Moss Lane and showing the Library/School.

Conservation

The whole of Moss Lane is protected within the Bollington Cross & Lowerhouse Conservation Area.