PROBATE VALUATIONS IN MACCLESFIELD
The History of Macclesfield
The earliest recorded history of Macclesfield is in the Saxon period, when the Kings of Mercia owned a manor in the town. Despite no earlier records, the situation of the town near to three Roman roads and fresh water, indicates that it may have an earlier history of occupation.
The name of the town was originally Maclesfeld, as stated by the Domesday Book in 1086, although it was later referred to as Makeslesfeld in 1183. The town’s name means ‘Maccel’s open country’ with the origin being from two Old English words ‘maccel’ and ‘field’. Macclesfield also has two historic nicknames ‘Treacle Town’, owing to the story of an overturned treacle wagon, and ‘Silk Town’.
In the 13th century the town became a borough, and later in 1261, was granted another charter. In the late 13th century, the All Saints church was constructed, which extended from the existing chapel constructed in 1220. During this time, the town represented the Hundred of Macclesfield as an administrative centre. This was one of the many Hundreds of England created before the time of the Norman Conquest.
Very little military action has been recorded to have occurred in Macclesfield, with the main exception being during the Civil War when Macclesfield played an important role as a stronghold for the Royalists. Much of the later history of Macclesfield surrounds the thriving textile industry, providing Macclesfield with its other nickname, ‘The Silk Town’.
The first textile mill in Macclesfield was constructed in 1743 and the first silk mill was constructed just over a decade later in 1756. The industry boomed to the point that in 1832, 71 silk mills were in operation in Macclesfield. The Macclesfield canal was also constructed at this time, between the years of 1826 and 1831. Up until the mid-20th century, silk remained a key industry in the Macclesfield area. At the time of the 2011 census, Macclesfield was home to a population of 52,044 people.