Locations
Hyde is a small town with a beautiful country park, lively town centre and undeniable community spirit.
Like many of its neighbouring towns, Hyde blossomed during the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th century. Originally the town had around 40 working cotton mills but by 1872, only 27 remained. Today, the town has just one working mill, which acts as a proud reminder of the town’s industrial past.
Hyde achieved notoriety in the Sixties, when Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were arrested at their home in the town. Labelled the Moors Murderers, the terrible crimes they committed shocked Britain. Unfortunately, the Nineties saw history repeat itself when Dr Harold Shipman, a trusted local GP, was also arrested for murder. He later became known as Britain’s most prolific serial killer, when it emerged that he had killed hundreds of the town’s elderly and vulnerable residents.
The building has many beautiful old buildings, including the Town Hall. An impressive building, the Town Hall dominates the town’s bustling marketplace. It has a prominent clocktower with a large bell known as Old Josh. Old Josh is named after Joshua Bradley, a former mayor from Hyde who was born in a humble cottage and sent to work in a factory as a child. Through sheer hard work, he managed to make a name for himself in politics.
A statue of a seal was recently erected outside the Town Hall in tribute to the Hyde Seals water polo team. From 1904 to 1914, they were one of the finest teams in the world, winning the water polo world championships in 1904, 1905 and 1906.
A haven for shoppers, Hyde town centre has many high street stores. It also has popular indoor and outdoor markets, which are the best place to grab a bargain. If you fancy sampling a Northern delicacy, why not visit the famous tripe stall?