Tower: Alderley Edge

ERECTION OF TOWER AT ALDERLEY— Amongst numerous improvements which the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company are carrying on at this delightful resort, with the view to render it still more attractive, we learn that they have decided on the erection of a tower, on the very summit of the hill, which, from its great height, will command most extensive views of the surrounding country. The tower will stand on that part of the hill which is the property of Sir T. J. de Trafford, (whence the most beautiful views are obtained), and will immediately overlook the small village of Hough, on the north side of the hill. The erection will be in the Italian style of architecture, from a neat design by Messrs. Starkey and Cuffley, architects, of this town, (the architects who superintended the erection of the new hotel, at Alderley, just completed); it will be a square tower of stone, about fifty feet in height, having a spiral staircase in the north-west angle, which will be surmounted by a dome and flag-staff. It will consist of three stories ; the two upper ones will be each lighted by three triple windows, one on each side; it will be surrounded by a balcony, two yards wide, on a level with the floor of the second story; and there will be a large open balcony at the top, of about six yards square, with perforated stone battlements, from which the views will be most extensive, embracing on one side Manchester, Stockport, Ashton, Oldham, Rivington Pike, and the adjoining high land; and on the other the Welch mountains, and on a clear day the Irish Channel. The erection will be completed in about two months. It will be approached by four or five steps on each side. The several rooms will probably be occupied as refreshment rooms. We may add that Alderley Edge is likely soon to become a popular place of residence for the Manchester merchants and others, on account of the ready means of travelling between it and Manchester, which the railway supplies, and the facilities held out by the company to parties erecting houses there. Four very elegant villas are already in course of erection, by Messrs. Starkey and Cuffley, and several others are in contemplation. [Manchester Courier 31 May 1845 page 8].

Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 May 1845 page 1 – contracts
Reference    Manchester Courier 31 May 1845 page 8