Hale, Greater Manchester

Hale
Population
Metropolitan borough	Trafford
Metropolitan county	Greater Manchester
Region	North West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	WARRINGTON
Postcode district	WA15
Dialling code	0161 980
Police	Greater Manchester
Fire	Greater Manchester
Ambulance	North West
UK Parliament	Altrincham and Sale

Hale is a very affluent, built-up village south east of Altrincham in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Cheshire, and approximately nine miles (14.5km) south west of the city of Manchester, Hale has population of 10,300.

Geography and administration

Civic history

Between 1900 and 1974, local govermment matters relating to Hale were governed by Hale Urban District Council and the Council of the administrative county of Cheshire.

As part of local government reforms, on April 1, 1974, Hale Urban District and its Council were abolished and the area of Hale became part of the new Metropolitan Borough of Trafford of Greater Manchester.

Hale councillors

Current local councillors for Hale Central Ward are:

• Councillor Colin Foster (Conservative) - lives in Acacia Avenue. Current Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Trafford MBC
• Councillor Alan Mitchell (Conservative) - lives in South Downs Road. Current Chair of the Accounts and Audit Committee
• Councillor Mrs Patricia Young (Conservative) - c/o Trafford Town Hall; current Vice-Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Parliamentary representation

Graham Brady MP (Conservative) (See Altrincham and Sale West Constituency). 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.

Sub-districts

• Hale Barns

History

Etymology

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.

Early history

The first mention of Hale is in Domesday Survey of 1086; however, what little evidence - in the form of etymology and a few surviving records of events in the area - there is points to the Saxons settling the area in the 7^th century. In comparison to the rest of the country, and even the rest of Cheshire, the manor of Hale was small and poor, though more prosperous than the manor of Bowdon. 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. De Massey established Dunham as his head manor (which became Dunham Massey), and the de Massey family remained barons of this area until the mid 14^th century. The area surrounding Hale was utilised primarily agriculturally.

Hale expanded and prospered over throughout the middle ages to the extent that by the middle of the 15^th century a tithe barn had been established in Hale Barns - the value of the tithe taken from Hale was more than double that of any other township in the Bowdon parish. Hale was lorded over by the Masseys until the 14^th century with the extinction of the main family line, after that a number of lords ruled. During the English Civil War. Cheshire generally supported the Parliamentarian cause, though as with the rest of the country the war caused division even within families

Recent history

During the 20^th century urbanisation turned Hale from an agricultural village into the commuter town it is today - especially with the advent of the train station, allowing residents easy access to the city centre.

Present day

Trafford MBC provides a Profile of Hale Central Ward

Transport

Hale Village is well situated for transport. Local facilities include:

• Hale Railway Station. This is on the main (stopping) line between Manchester and Chester. The railway line runs through the village and the crossing gates have to close when a train passes through
• Buses travel from Altrincham to Hale Barns on a circular route passing through both the north and the south of Hale.
• Manchester Airport, a major international airport, is situated at Ringway, just to the east of Hale Barns.

Churches

• Hale Chapel is the earliest place of worship in Hale. It is reputedly a fine example of a non-conformist chapel.

Cemetery

Hale Cemetery is situated south east of Altrincham on Hale Road in Hale. It is a closed cemetery and no new graves for interment are available although interment continues in existing family graves.

Hotels

The Ashley Hotel is situated in the modern development in the centre of Hale Village

Leisure and recreation

• Hale Library is situated in Leigh Road.
• The centre of Hale Village has a Bowling Green. A further Crown Green Bowling Green is attached the Bulls Head Public House in Hale Barns.
• Many of the current residents will remember Hale Cinema which has now closed.

Place of interest

• Royd House is situated on Hale Road. The house was designed by architect Edgar Wood and built for himself as his home. It is regarded as one of the most advanced examples of early twentieth century domestic architecture and is referenced in a number of architectural digests.

Notable residents

Residents include a number of professional footballers, minor celebrities and people seen on television.