Walk the Chorlton history walk with Andrew Simpson ……Sunday September the 22nd …..

Chorlton Book Festival is back and with it comes that ever popular history walk which takes a stroll across Chorlton, exploring our past.

The graveyard, 2008

It has been a feature of the festival for the last decade and a bit, lasts for about an hour ending in the café at the Edge Theatre for a light meal.

During the make over, 1981

This year by popular request we will be back in the graveyard by the village green uncovering the history of the old parish church, and the stories of some who were buried there.

They include Thomas Walker who campaigned against the slave trade, supported the French Revolution and was tried for sedition, along with a mix of the “good, the bad, and the ordinary". 

Along with the good and worthy, will be the Nixon family who ran a beer shop on Beech Road, the last women to do penance in the parish church, and the story of the Great Chorlton Burial Scandal.  There will be news about the efforts to improve the graveyard, and the restoration work on the Lych Gate.

All this and a look at the archaeological digs in the 1970s and 80s which offered up some gruesome discoveries, followed by a preamble via the village green and other historic spots to the Edge.

Narnia on the Green, 2022

There will be a few stops to top up the stories and heaps of opportunities to ask me interesting historical questions about things no one else will tell.

We will meet at the Narnia lamppost on the village green at 2pm and aim to be in the Edge roughly an hour and a bit later. 

Tickets cost £9.92  and include oodles of Chorlton stories and a meal in the café.

All events are bookable through Chorlton Book Festival, https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/chorlton-book-festival-2024-3536319

But it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention some of the events I will be attending.

On September 21st in the Central Church at 7.30, Brian Groom will be talking about his new book on the history of Manchester.

On the 24 between 12-2pm at Benito Lounge, Jo Somerset will introduce "Mission for to find Mun which is aimed at children  Chorlton and is an " introduction to the adventures of Isla and Lac in a mission that takes them 500 miles from home to an island of secrets. 

Set on a remote Scottish island, the novel explores climate activism, heritage, disability, betrayal and family secrecy. 

Fighting hostile weather, wild elements and suspicious adults, they find Mum and discover her secret about their missing Dad"

And lastly Juliette Tomlinson will be at the Edge on the 24th between 2 and 4pm to introduce her new novel on the John and  Enriqueta Rylands.

Location; Chorlton Green

Pictures;  Chorlton graveyard, and village green 1978- 2022 from the collection of Andrew Simpson