Deer Clough

Valley in Cheshire

England

Deer Clough

Bakestonedale Brickworks Brick-making started here in around 1820 due to readily accessible clay and coal. From the late 19th century the Hammond family were producing specialist firebricks. The brickworks extended either side of the road, and several kiln chimneys survive. Mining ceased in 1956 and brick-making in 1968 although Hammonds continued to make refractory materials until the 1990s. Since then the works have been developed into small business units and the area still an air of prosperity. For more of the history, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.williamhammondltd.com/history" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.williamhammondltd.com/history">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . — Bakestonedale Brickworks Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Deer Clough, located in Cheshire, is a picturesque valley renowned for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. Nestled in the rolling countryside of northwest England, it offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The valley stretches for approximately 2 miles and is shaped by the meandering Deer Brook, which gently flows through the landscape, adding to its charm.

The valley is characterized by its lush green meadows, dense woodlands, and scenic vistas. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife lovers. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including robins, thrushes, and woodpeckers, as well as small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels.

The surrounding woodlands are carpeted with bluebells during the spring, creating a stunning display of colors. Walking trails crisscross the valley, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. The trails are well-maintained, making them accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Deer Clough also boasts a rich history, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial mounds scattered throughout the area. These archaeological sites provide a glimpse into the valley's past and add an element of intrigue for history enthusiasts.

Overall, Deer Clough is a hidden gem in Cheshire, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and discover the beauty and tranquility of this captivating valley.

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Deer Clough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.330372/-2.0758476 or Grid Reference SJ9581. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bakestonedale Brickworks

Brick-making started here in around 1820 due to readily accessible clay and coal. From the late 19th century the Hammond family were producing specialist firebricks. The brickworks extended either side of the road, and several kiln chimneys survive. Mining ceased in 1956 and brick-making in 1968 although Hammonds continued to make refractory materials until the 1990s. Since then the works have been developed into small business units and the area still an air of prosperity. For more of the history, see Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Bakestonedale Brickworks

'Cottage' entrance and drinking water supply. It's not clear whether this was in practice a dwelling or a small office.

Alan Murray-Rust

Bakestonedale Brickworks

Alan Murray-Rust

Old Brickworks

Recreating this 'First' for the square Link . Brick-making started here in around 1820 due to readily accessible clay and coal. From the late 19th century the Hammond family were producing specialist firebricks. The brickworks extended either side of the road, and several kiln chimneys survive. Mining ceased in 1956 and brick-making in 1968 although Hammonds continued to make refractory materials until the 1990s. Since then the works have been developed into small business units and the area still an air of prosperity. For more of the history, see Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Bakestonedale

Looking up the dale from the former brickworks. The spoil tips alongside the road are evidence of the working of coal in the area.

Alan Murray-Rust

Skeleton Sculpture, Old Brickworks

This has clearly taken a few steps across the yard since 2020 Link !

Alan Murray-Rust

Old Brickworks

The old Hammond's firebrick works at Bakestonedale is now a small industrial estate.

David Kitching

Shrigley Hall Hotel

Shrigley Hall Hotel is a former country house which is now owned by the Spanish hotel chain Barcelo, the former church, seen on the right, is now a swimming pool and part of the leisure complex. The hotel grounds amount to a 262 acres golf course. This building has been a hotel since 1989, my old OS map from the 1970s indicates that this building used to be a college. I have since been informed it was a Catholic Seminary.

Philip Halling

Shrigley Hall Hotel

Shrigley Hall Hotel is a former country house which is now owned by the Spanish hotel chain Barcelo. The hotel grounds amount to a 262 acres golf course. This building has been a hotel since 1989, my old OS map from the 1970s indicates that this building used to be a college. I have since been informed that it was a Catholic Seminary.

Philip Halling

Shrigley Hall Hotel

Shrigley Hall Hotel is a former country house which is now owned by the Spanish hotel chain Barcelo. The hotel grounds amount to a 262 acres golf course. This building has been a hotel since 1989.

Philip Halling

Leisure complex, Shrigley Hall Hotel

This former church adjoining Shrigley Hall Hotel now houses the swimming pool and is part of the hotel's leisure complex.

Philip Halling

Leisure complex, Shrigley Hall Hall

The entrance to the pool and leisure complex at Shrigley Hall Hotel. The swimming pool is in the former church.

Philip Halling

Interior of Shrigley Hall Hotel

Dome interior of the stairway in Shrigley Hall Hotel.

Philip Halling

Shrigley Hall Golf Course

As taken from the front of Shrigley Hall Hotel.

Lisa Jarvis

Garden path at Shrigley Hall, Cheshire

Shrigley Hall, once a private residence, and later a Salesian missionary college for Catholic boys, became a country hotel in 1989. The building to the right was originally a church. It was built in 1926 by the monks for their own use. The steps descend from the car park to the spa, and beyond to front of the hotel. In the distance, through clouds, the Cheshire plain can be seen.

Geoff Royle

Shrigley Hall

Grade II* listed mansion, built in around 1825 for a Blackburn mill owner, Sir William Turner, to replace a previous building owned by the Downes family. Later in 19th century it passed by marriage to the Lowther family. Following the death in 1928 of the last surviving member of that family, it was sold in 1929 for the grand sum of £8,000 to the Roman Catholic order, the Salesian Society, who ran it as a missionary college. The college closed in 1983, having educated over 2000 boys during its lifetime. In 1985 the estate was sold, after which the hall was converted into a hotel, with a golf course being created in the grounds, designed by Donald Steel. On the right is the grade II listed chapel, built as a shrine to Don Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Order. The first sod was cut on 1 April 1934, the date of Don Bosco's canonisation in Rome. It was designed by Philip Tilden and completed in 1938. It now houses the health club for the hotel. For listing particulars of the two buildings, see Link

and Link

Ian Capper