Murky stories of Sally's pond .......... and an outrageous promotion

Now, there is a place in Chorlton which for centuries was shrouded in mystery and more than a bit of tragedy.

Detail of Sally's Field, 1954

This was variously known as Sally's Hole, Sally's Place, or Sally's Pond, and the story of the ill fated death of Sally has rolled down the centuries, and may date back to the late 18th century or before.

And it was one I have frequently revisited.*

But today it is the turn of Tony Golding who regularly contributes stories, and who emailed me with  "I have just been reading your entertaining new book, "nothing to do in chorlton". 

A passage about 'Sally's Hole' made me look up an old story of mine on the Blog (from 6 years ago!).

Sally's Field, 1954

There was indeed an actual suicide in that location. It was a man rather than a lady and he shot himself rather than drowned. He was, 54-years-old John Edwin Lockwood, a trimmings merchant at 64, Canon Street, Manchester.**

He lived with his two grown daughters at 16, Cartwright Road, having not long moved from 44, Hawthorn Road.

Congratulations on the book it is a very good read!"

You can read Tony's story by following the link, and of course discover for yourself our new book, "nothing to do in chorlton"***

The book costs £5, is available from  www.pubbooks.co.uk and also Chorlton Bookshop.

It is small enough to slip into your pocket or bag as you travel around each of the locations mentioned, and equally important for anyone looking for a special present will easily fit into a Christmas stocking.

Picture; Sally’s Field, J Montgomery, 1958, copied from a 1945 photograph, m80104, courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council, http://images.manchester.gov.uk/index.php?session=pass

*Sally's Hole,https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search?q=sally%27s+hole

**More from the pen of Tony Goulding ............. SUICIDES IN CHORLTON-cum-HARDY, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search?q=John+Edwin+Lockwood

***nothing to do in chorlton, https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search?q=nothing+to+do+in+chorlton