High Lawn, Bowdon

I took some snaps for my "Streets of Bowdon" (streetsofbowdon.co.uk) photography project today. "High Lawn" is one of the most imposing properties in the township (now converted to apartment blocks). It was built on a 4-acre plot in 1843 for William Neild (1789-1864), a local boy who made good as a calico printer in the city of Manchester. Not content with just being a successful businessman, Neild, together with his friend Richard Cobden, was also instrumental in acquiring for Manchester a royal charter of incorporation as a municipal borough, and served from 1840-42 as the second mayor of the city. He was also on the committee of the Anti-Corn Law League (founded in 1838), again with Richard Cobden. (With acknowledgements to Marjorie Cox, Bowdon Sheaf No. 10, Oct. 1987, pp. 5-7).

I'll hopefully be able to add some more blips if I can persuade one of the residents to offer me a guided tour :-)