Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society

05/08/2026

STEPPING HILL HOSPITAL is in Stockport, Greater Manchester. It is managed by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
The facility was first established on Stepping Hill as the Stepping Hill Poor Law Hospital in December 1905.
The facility became a military hospital during the First World War and joined the National Health Service as the Stepping Hill Municipal Hospital in 1948.
In an incident which began in July 2011, 3 patients were found to have been unlawfully killed by poisoning at the hospital. The United Kingdom's first prostate cancer operation using a hand-held robot was undertaken at the hospital in March 2012.

The Duchess of Gloucester officially opened a new medical and surgical centre built at a cost of £20 million in October 2017.
Amongst the well known Stepping hill born we have Claire Foy, Golden Globe Award winning actress & star of Netflix The Crown & the BBC mini series Wolf Hall born at Stepping Hill in 1984.
Tom Ince, Stoke City footballer born 1992, Chellace AJ, radio presenter born 1994, Karl Davies, actor in the tv series Kingdom, he also portrayed Robert Sugden in the soap opera Emmerdale, Tess Daly tv presenter of Strictly Come Dancing. Rick Hatton was also born in Stepping Hill Hospital he became a household name during his time in the boxing ring. Out of 48 fights, he won 45. Phil Foden born in 2000 in Stepping Hill, grew up in Edgeley and went on to become the youngest footballer in the Premier League to gain a Winners Medal. He now plays for Manchester City and England's under 21 team

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

FamilySearch

The newly released 1926 Ireland Census has everyone talking. But there’s also so much to explore in the 1911 Ireland Census on FamilySearch!
The 1911 Ireland Census is one of the richest snapshots of Irish life ever recorded, covering the whole island, and it's yours to explore right now. The ancestor you're looking for might be waiting there.
Start searching: https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2854327...

04/08/2026

Shakespeare returns to Central Library this week...

Theatre MCR are delighted to present a roller coaster new version of 'The Comedy of Errors'.

Performed live in the Henry Watson Music Library (1st Floor), there will be 4 x 1hr shows of the classic comedy.

Performances:
Tue 4 August (6pm)
Thu 6 August (6pm)
Sat 8 August (1pm + 3pm)

Price: Pay-what-you-like!

Remaining tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-comedy-of-errors-by-william-shakespeare-tickets-1991723360186

04/08/2026

Forces War Records
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We want to make Forces War Records work better for YOU. 💡
We’re planning our upcoming content, articles, and guides, and we want to know what you would like to see more of on our channel.
Which of these would help your research the most? (Vote 1–4 in the comments.)
1️⃣ Case Studies & Walkthroughs (How to trace a specific soldier, unit, or medal)
2️⃣ Record Deep Dives (Explaining War Diaries, Service Records, & Medal Index Cards)
3️⃣ Historical Context (Documenting specific battles, regiments, and military life)
4️⃣ Research Tips & How-To Guides (Overcoming brick walls & reading military jargon)
Have something else in mind? Let us know in the comments. We’re all ears.

04/08/2026

03/08/2026

It's summer holidays time! Join us every Tuesday during the holidays for free family fun activities.
See if you can be a history detective by completing the trail or even take part in a court case.
We are open from 10.30am until 4pm (last admission 3pm).
Please note that we are not able to open Thursday due to volunteer availability.

03/08/2026

RuralHistoria
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A beautiful, timeless scene. Wattle hurdles have been woven in Britain's woodlands for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing that this ancient craft dates back 7000 years. Made by weaving long, flexible rods of hazel, willow or sweet chestnut between upright stakes, hurdles were lightweight, remarkably strong and could easily be carried from field to field.
The same weaving technique was also used in the construction of wattle and daub buildings, where woven panels formed the framework for walls before being coated with a mixture of clay, straw and animal dung. It is one of Britain's oldest surviving building methods.
This photograph was taken at Ashmore, Dorset, where hurdle making remained an important rural trade well into the 20th century. The finished hurdles were almost certainly destined for use on the nearby Rushmore Estate, where they played a vital role in sheep farming. Farmers used them to create temporary sheep folds on the chalk downlands, allowing flocks to graze different areas while naturally fertilising the soil. During lambing season, hurdles were quickly assembled into secure pens to protect ewes and their newborn lambs from wandering or predators.
Although modern steel fencing has replaced them on many farms, traditional hurdle making is still practised today skilled craftsmen and women, preserving a rural craft that has changed little over countless generations.

02/08/2026