Hale Barns

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Hale Barns
Hale Barns (Greater Manchester)
Hale Barns

Hale Barns shown within Greater Manchester
Population 9143 (2001 Census)
Metropolitan borough Trafford
Metropolitan county Greater Manchester
Region North West
Constituent country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town WARRINGTON
Postcode district WA15
Dialling code 0161
Police Greater Manchester
Fire Greater Manchester
Ambulance North West
European Parliament North West England
UK Parliament Altrincham and Sale
List of places: UK • England • Greater Manchester

Coordinates: 53°22′03″N 2°19′05″W / 53.3676, -2.318

Hale Barns is an affluent village in Altrincham in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Cheshire, Hale Barns lies about 12 miles (19 km) south of Manchester city centre, 2 miles west of Manchester Airport and close to the River Bollin. According to the 2001 census, the village had a population of 9,143.

During the mediaeval period, Hale Barns was originally an outlying area of the township of Hale but the growth in prosperity of the area led Hale Barns to become established as a separate settlement. The village gets its name from the tithe barn that used to stand in Hale Barns. Before the industrial revolution, Hale Barns was an agricultural village, but since then evolved into a commuter settlement. Today the village is a rural place with ‘The Square’ as its economic centre. There has been controversy over the redevelopment of the shopping centre, with residents voicing concern over congestion in the area. Catholic boys grammar school St Ambrose College is in Hale Barns. The village is also home to Ringway golf club. Cotteril Clough, in Hale Barns, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its ancient and diverse woodland.

Contents

[edit] History

The first reference to Hale is contained within the Domesday Book, at the time ‘Hale Barns’ was just an outlying hamlet contained within the manor of Hale. According to the Domesday Book, the manor of Hale was owned by a Saxon thegn Aelfward, who was replaced by the Norman, Hamon de Massey who also gained possession of Dunham and Bowdon and would remain barons of the area until the 14th century.[1] Though there is no documentation on how Hale fared in the ‘Harrying of the North’ (retribution from William the Conqueror in 1069-70 for the rebellion against Norman rule), the value of the land in the Domesday Book recovered to the point where the manor was considered prosperous.[2]

The settlements of Hale and Hale Barns were closely linked since the earliest days, what would later become Hale Barns spent most of the Medieval Period as an extension of the more dominant Hale. During this era the land around Hale and Hale Barns was used agriculturally[2] as though it drains poorly, it is fertile. By the middle of the 15th century Hale Barns had established an identity completely separate from neighbouring Hale as demonstrated by the tithe barn which was established around this time.[2] The tithe barn was for storing the tithes – a tenth of the farm's produce which was to be given to the church. Such an establishment can be seen as a sign of prosperity of the area, much like its current repute. The original barn no longer survives, but is thought to be the source of the town’s name. The first explicit reference to the village of Hale Barns – rather than Hale – is in documentation from 1616.[3]

The English Civil War affected all of England; even families were split over Royalist or Parliamentarian loyalties. Little is recorded over the divisions within Hale Barns, but Hale and Hale Barns did emerge from the Civil War more or less untouched by events – though there was a heavy tax to pay to support the Parliamentarian army they avoided much of the requisitioning of supplies and animals for passing armies. None of the Royalists in Hale and Hale Barns had their lands confiscated or were forced to pay fines.[2]

Having long been agricultural land, in the 18th century the town was divided up into 5 farms: Tanyard, Partington, Oakfield, Broadoak, and Elm.[2] Hale Chapel was established in Hale Barns by Nonconformists in 1723 on what is now Chapel Lane. It underwent alterations around 1880. The Chapel is the earliest place of worship in either Hale or Hale Barns and is a Grade II* listed building, one of only 9 in Trafford. It also boasts an eighteenth century pulpit and nineteenth century stained glass.[4] In 1740, a school was founded by the Unitarian minister of Hale—a time when education was a rare commodity – and can be seen on a map of 1800 along with a tithe barn, two inns, five farms, four cottages the school house and school rooms.[2]

Manor House Stables, Hale Barns prior to its destruction in 2006.
Manor House Stables, Hale Barns prior to its destruction in 2006.

In the late 19th century the Manor House was built on the site of the old Tanyard farm, for the purpose of the owner’s retirement.[2] In 2006 a timber framed barn built around 1701—originally belonging to the Tanyard Farm and later converted to stables for Manor House – was torn down due to lack of funds to maintain the building. The Grade II listed building – known simply as "Manor House Stables" – was unfortunately the last timber framed building in Hale Barns.[5][6]

During the 20th century urbanisation effected Hale Barns, turning the place from an agricultural village into the commuter town it is today, focused around ‘The Square’ – a shopping precinct. Its main A538 road – Hale Road – runs through the centre of Hale Barns and leads towards Manchester Airport and Wilmslow.[2]

[edit] Toponymy

The name Hale derives from the Anglo-Saxon halh meaning a nook or shelter, as supported by the surrounding area which has natural features that would provide shelter. The name Hale has a number of recurrences throughout Britain which is unsurprising as during Anglo Saxon times shelter or a safe place was always important. The 'Barns' element of Hale Barns comes from the Old Tithe Barn.[2]

[edit] Governance

[edit] Local government

Hale Barns is part of Trafford Metropolitan Borough of Greater Manchester. Up until local government reforms in 1974, Hale Barns formed part of the administrative county of Cheshire. The ward of Hale Barns has three out of sixty three seats on Trafford Borough Council, and as of the 2007 local election all 3 seats were held by Conservatives.[7]

The Councillors representing Hale Barns on Trafford Council are:

  • Dylan Butt (Conservative)[8]
  • Ian Mullins (Conservative)[9]
  • Bernard Sharp (Conservative) (Mayor of the Council)[10]

[edit] Member of Parliament

Since 1997, Hale Barns has formed part of the Altrincham and Sale West Constituency, before that it was encompassed by the Altrincham and Sale constituency. Since the formation of the Altrincham and Sale West constituency in 1997 it had been represented in the House of Commons by the Conservative MP, Graham Brady. At the 2005 General Election, in Altrincham and Sale West the Conservatives won a majority of 7,159 and 46.4% of the vote. Labour won 30.3% of the vote, Liberal Democrats 21.7% and the United Kingdom Independence Party 1.7%.[11] This is one of only a small number of seats in the north-west held by the Conservative Party, and the only one in Greater Manchester.

[edit] Geography

Further information: Geography of Greater Manchester

Hale Barns is located at 53°22′3.36″N, 2°19′4.8″W (53.3676, -2.318), 12 miles (19 km) to the south of Manchester city centre. It is just east of Hale and south east of Altrincham. The town is bounded by the River Bollin to the south, the M56 to the east and the residential areas of Altrincham to the west and Newhall Green to the north. The ward profile produced by Trafford MBC describes its location and economic nature as follows.

"Hale Barns lies at the southern tip of the Borough (of Trafford) ... The Ward contains a large amount of agricultural land including two private golf courses. There is also a number of private sports clubs within the Ward providing facilities for tennis, bowling and football. It is generally considered to be an affluent Ward in the top 10% wealthiest areas in England."

— Trafford MBC 2006[12]

The climate of Hale Barns – and Greater Manchester as a whole – is generally temperate, with few extremes of temperature or weather. The mean temperature is slightly above average for the United Kingdom; whereas annual rainfall and average amount of sunshine is slightly below the average for the UK.[13]

[edit] Demography

Hale Barns Compared
2001 UK Census Hale Barns Trafford District England
Total population 9,143 210,145 49,138,831
White 91.9% 92% 91%
Asian 6.5% 4.6% 4.6%
Black 0.4% 2.0% 2.3%
Christian 70.4% 76% 72%
Jewish 7.9% 1.1% 0.5%
No religion 9.5% 12% 15%
Over 65 years old 21.8% 16% 16%

As of the 2001 UK census, the village of Hale Barns had a total population of 9,143 and 3732 households. Of those households, 44% were married couples living together, 5% were co-habiting couples and 6% were lone parents. The town had a high percentage of households made up of married couples (44%) compared to the figure for the rest of Trafford (37%) and England (also 37%). The average household size was 2.45. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males.[14]

The ethnicity of the Hale Barns is 91.9% white, 1.1% mixed race, 0.4% black, 5.4% non-Chinese Asian, and 1.2% Chinese.[12] The age distribution was 6% aged 0-4 years, 15% aged 5-15 years, 4% aged 16-19 years, 27% aged 20-44 years, 27% aged 45-64 years and 22% aged 65 years and over. The town had a high percentage of residents over 65, compared with the national average of 16%.[14]

The Trafford MBC Ward Profile for the Hale Barns ward describes it as being

"Diverse in nature and home to a large Jewish and Muslim community groups."

– Trafford MBC 2006[12]

[edit] Religion

According to the 2001 census, the religious make up of Hale Barns is 70.4% Christian, 4.1% Muslim, 1.5% Hindu, 7.9% Jewish, 0.3% Buddhist and 0.1% Sikh. 9.5% were recorded as having no religion, 0.1% had an alternative religion and 6.2% did not state their religion.[14] Hale Barns is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury.[15] The village is also part of the Church of England Diocese of Chester.[16] Places of worship include Holy Angels' Church a large Roman Catholic Church linked to St Ambrose College which is situated in Wicker Lane at the junction with Hale Road at the western end of the village centre; All Saints' Church belongs to the Church of England and was built 1967 on the site. Hale and District Synagogue serves Hale and Hale Barns and is situated on Shay Lane in Hale Barns. It was rebuilt on its previous footprint in 2003; the modern structure has a synagogue, nursery, function suite and dedicated study room Beit HaMidrash. It is also the site of the South Manchester Mikveh with a utensil mikveh that is adjuncted to the main mikveh building. [17]

[edit] Education

Further information: List of schools in Trafford
The badge of St. Ambrose College has remained the same since the school was established in 1946.
The badge of St. Ambrose College has remained the same since the school was established in 1946.

Because of its small size, Hale Barns has a small number of schools. Amongst them are St Ambrose College which provides education for 11-18 year olds and Elmridge Primary.

Primary schools

Elmridge Primary School is a co-educational day school with 243 pupils currently on role (2006/7 school year).[18]

Secondary schools

St. Ambrose College is a Catholic Boy's Secondary School situated adjacent to Holy Angels Church and Hale Road, near the centre of Hale Barns village. The Christian Brothers came to England from Guernsey during the Second World War and remained to establish the college in 1946. The college celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2006. The school is a specialist Maths and Computing College.[19]

In 2005 around 800 pupils attended the school. The College was awarded funding in the summer of 2006 for rebuilding on the current site as part of the Building Schools for the Future Programme. In 2006, 98.3% of pupils achieved at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE compared to an average of 66.7% for all secondary schools in Trafford and a national UK average of 61.3%; 97.5% of its pupils gained at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and maths, ranking the school 4th out of Trafford's 19 secondary schools.[20]

[edit] Economy

According to Trafford MBC, Hale Barns is in the top 10% wealthiest areas in England.[12] As of the 2001 UK census, the Hale Barns ward had a possible workforce of approximately 6449 people. The economic activity of residents in the Hale Barns electoral ward was 36% in full-time employment, 12% in part-time employment, 28% self-employed, 1.5% unemployed, 1.7% students with jobs, 4.7% students without jobs, 18.7% retired, 7.3% looking after home or family, 2.6% permanently sick or disabled and 2.2% economically inactive for other reasons. Hale Barns has a very high rate of self employment (28%) compared with rest of Trafford (16%) and England (17%). Hale Barns also has low rates of unemployment (1.5%) compared with Trafford (2.7%) and England (3.3%).[14] The Office for National Statistics estimated that during the period of April 2001 to March 2002 the average gross weekly income of households in Hale Barns was £660 (£34,320 per year).[21]

According to the 2001 UK census, the industry of employment of residents in Hale Barns was 22.9% property and business services, 15.7% retail and wholesale, 12.1% health and social work, 11.0% manufacturing, 9.4% education, 6.8% transport and communications, 4.7% finance, 4.5% construction, 3.9% hotels and restaurants, 3.2% public administration and defence, 0.6% energy and water supply, 0.5% agriculture, and 4.6% other. This was roughly in line with national figures, except for the town's relatively high percentage of workers in property and business services.[22]

A shopping centre was built in Hale Barns in the 1960s called "The Square Shopping Centre". The site is now being considered for redevelopment and proposals were subjected to consultation in 2005. In 2007 the Council and Developer will be participating in a Planning Inquiry after the council refused planning permission for the proposed redevelopment.[23]

[edit] Leisure and Recreation

There are a number of private sports clubs within the Hale Barns providing facilities for tennis, bowling and football.[12] This includes the home of Hale Barns Cricket Club.

Halecroft Park

Halecroft Park.
Halecroft Park.

Halecroft Park is a park near the centre of Hale Barns and was crowned North West region winner in the prestigious 'Britain's Best Park' competition.[24] Designed by Edgar Wood, the oornamental gardens of Halecroft Park were created in 1891 as part of Halecroft House.[25] The park was winner of the Green Flag award 3 years running (2003-2006) for setting a standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.[26].

Ringway Golf Club

Covering 18 holes and 6,482 yards, Ringway Golf Club was designed by Harry Colt in 1908 and further developed by James Braid.[27]

Cotteril Clough

Cotteril Clough is a Site of Special Scientific Interest situated close to the River Bollin. It has been designated due to its ancient woodland which is among the most diverse in Greater Manchester. It is managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.[28]

[edit] Future developments

Company Citybranch Ltd have proposed demolishing The Square shopping centre in Hale Barns and replacing it with a Waitrose, 14 shops, 51 flats and 287 parking spaces. Initial plans were rejected by Trafford planners because of concerns raised over its size and traffic issues, though Citybranch appealed against the decision. The proposed redevelopment has proved a source of controversy for the Hale Barns community, many people believing that the plans would lead to grid lock in an already congested area and that the development would not benefit local businesses. Citybranch has carried out surveys of the users of The Square, and discovered that the 77% of those questioned "supported" or "supported with reservations" the proposals.[29] The company is appealing against Trafford council’s decision, but the possibility that the plans could be forced through has brought to the fore strong feeling on the subject.

HBRR (Hale Barns Residents’ Response) was established to oppose Citybranch’s developments. The protest group has over 700 supporters[30] and accuses Citybranch of poor research. From Citybranch’s initial survey to gauge the reception of a new supermarket they claimed that from a sample of 225 more than 40% of those questioned were over 65.[31] However, with such a small sample size (only 2.46%) and since only 21.8% of the residents of Hale Barns are over 65[12] it was suggested that the results of the survey are not a fair measure of the public’s view on the subject. HBRR have the support from Hale Barns’ councillors and Altrincham and Sale West MP Graham Brady. Trafford Council has received more than 500 letters of objection, but just 14 letters of support.[30] The public inquiry resumed on the 18th September.[32]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Anon (2004). 2001 The Domesday Book Online (Cheshire). The Domesday Book Online. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i R. N. Dore (1972). A History of Hale, Cheshire: From Domesday to Dormitory. John Sherratt and Son Ltd, Altricham, 13-14, 18, 22-4, 34, 56, 78. ISBN 0-85427-030-2. 
  3. ^ Mike Nevell (1998). Lands and Lordships in Tameside. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, 79. ISBN 1-871324-18-1. 
  4. ^ Anon (2001). Images of England: Hale Chapel. English Heritage. Retrieved on 2007-05-14.
  5. ^ Anon (July 1996). Manor House Stables, Hale Barns. An example of late timber-framing techniques in the Trafford area.. University of Manchester Archaeological Unit. 
  6. ^ David Lloyd and Dr Mike Nevell (September 2006). Manor House Stables, Hale Barns, Trafford: An Archaeological Watching Brief during Demolition of the Listed Timber-framed Barn.. University of Manchester Archaeological Unit. 
  7. ^ Anon. Local Election Results 2007. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved on 2007-05-14.
  8. ^ Anon. Councillor Dylan Butt. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  9. ^ Anon. Councillor Ian Mullins. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  10. ^ Anon. Councillor Bernard Sharp. Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  11. ^ Altrincham and Sale West. Guardian.co.uk.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Anon (2006-01-01). Hale Barns Ward Profile. Trafford MBC. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
  13. ^ Met Office (2007). Annual UK weather averages. Met Office. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
  14. ^ a b c d Anon (2001). 2001 Census statistics for Hale Barns. Neighbourhood Statistics. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
  15. ^ Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury (HTTP). Retrieved on 2007-05-26.
  16. ^ The Church of England Diocese of Chester (HTTP). Retrieved on 2007-05-26.
  17. ^ Hale and District Hebrew Congregation (HTTP). Retrieved on 2007-09-19.
  18. ^ Elmridge Primary School. Retrieved on 2007-10-07.
  19. ^ St Ambrose College. Specialist School and Academies Trust. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.
  20. ^ Anon (2006-08-24). Grammar School GCSE Results 2006. The Independent Online. Retrieved on 2007-05-20.
  21. ^ Model-Based Estimates of Income for Wards. Statistics.gov.uk. Retrieved on 2007-05-19.
  22. ^ Hale Barns ward industry of employment. Statistics.gov.uk. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
  23. ^ Barrister hired for Hale Barns planning inquiry. Trafford MBC (2007-02-07). Retrieved on 2007-09-25.
  24. ^ Anon (2004-12-01). 'Best in the North West' - Halecroft Park. Trafford MBC. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  25. ^ Anon (2006). Halecroft Park. GardenHistorySociety.org. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  26. ^ Anon (2007). Green Flag Award Previous Winners. GreenFlagAward.org. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  27. ^ Anon. Ringway Golf Club. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
  28. ^ Cotteril Clough citation sheet. Natural England. Retrieved on 2007-07-02.
  29. ^ Anon (2006-01-01). Public consultation report for the proposed redevelopment of The Square shopping centre Hale Barns. Nex Communications Ltd. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
  30. ^ a b Caroline Jack (2006-06-23). Hale Barns redevelopment. Manchester Metro News. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
  31. ^ Chris Griffin (2007-01-25). Survey ‘shows need for change’. CommunityNewsGroup.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-04-16.
  32. ^ Inquiry Gets Underway. CommunityNewsGroup.co.uk (2006-09-19). Retrieved on 2007-09-25.

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