1853
The townships of Great and Little
Heaton are both in this parish, and adjacent to the village of Prestwich. They
are respectively four and five miles north of Manchester. Great Heaton, situated
on the southern extremity of Heaton Park, contains 838 acres, of the gross
annual value of £2,671. 9s., rateable value £2,123. 11s. 3d., and the population
in 1851 was 150. There are seventeen ratepayers in the township, fourteen of
whom are farmers. Messrs. Joseph Kershaw and Sons have bleach works here, and
here also are the dye works occupied by Messrs. James Royle and Sons. Heaton
House, a seat of the Earl of Wilton, is a handsome modern structure of stone,
erected by Whyatt, with columns of the Ionic order, and a circular projection in
the centre, surmounted by a spacious dome. This fine mansion, of considerable
dimensions, is situated on the Bury road, not far from the village of Prestwich,
and in a verdant and well wooded park five miles in circumference. There are
four entrances, and four lodges occupied by gatekeepers, but the principal
entrance is from the Bury road by an elegant Doric lodge. From a bold eminence
in the park, at some distance from the house, stands a circular temple,
commanding extensive and picturesque views of the four adjoining counties of
Chester, Derby, Stafford, and York. Some few years since, this charming spot was
the scene of great festivity, consequent on the races which were annually held
on a fine course in the park. A lively interest was attached to these meetings,
which were numerously attended – the riders being for the most part the
aristocratic guests of the noble earl. Heaton House, and gardens attached, cover
an area of 90a. 3r. 21p. The township of Great Heaton contains neither church,
chapel, public-house, beerhouse, nor provision shop.