Pictures of Knutsford

About Knutsford

From humble beginnings this town has grown over the centuries to become a delightful place to live within easy commuting distance from Manchester City.

Its name derives from Canute, the great Danish King who is said to have journeyed this way when he quite possibly forded the local stream.

May Day celebrations held here are wild with fun, they are amongst the oldest and most colourful in the land. Visitors to the town around this time enjoy the spectacle of a procession where everyone is clad in bright costumes, a coronation ceremony and dancing round the maypole.

The town has received several noted visitors, in recent times General Patton was possibly the most famous but back in time Prince Rupert was here during the Civil war.

Edward Higgins was a noted Knutsford gentleman, it is said that at night he took on the guise of a 'Highwayman' robbing the rich to help himself and the poor! Trumpet Major Smith hailed from these parts, he sounded the famous "charge" of the Brigade at Balaclava. Elizabeth Gaskell, friend of novelist Charles Dickens lived in the town which she portrayed in Cranford, which is perhaps one of her better known books.

A major attraction in the town is Tabley House which was completed in 1769, it was built for Sir Peter Bryne Leicester, Baronet. The house passed from father to son for decades, and in consequence the family between them amassed a great art collection which was spread between Tabley and their London home. Here in resplendent rooms the family entertained the great painters of the era, these include - JMW Turner, James Ward and Henry Thompson to name but a few. Works by these famous artists and others can be seen along with other treasures, in Tabley today. Tabley House is open to public view between March and October, it is well worth seeing. It displays the charm and elegance of a world long gone.

The character of the town is retained in its beautiful conservation area which is full of grace and timeless charm. Here the visitor can wander amongst secret alleyways, venture over old cobbles and visit historic courtyards.

Whilst wandering you will come across pleasant shops offering a wide selection of tempting goods ranging from mouth watering Cheshire cheese to Jewellery and fashion.

Should you choose to tarry for a while to discover the wider charms of the Cheshire countryside pleasant Knutsford will make a most delightful base.