History of Hale

Hale is a much sought-after residential area for families and household names alike. Much of the attraction has to do with its natural beauty and rural character; Domesday records describe an area of primarily forested land with a small settlement in a clearing and much of this character still remains today. Once the railways arrived in the Victoria era, the tree-lined roads, parks and open space attracted wealthy North West businessmen working in the Manchester City Centre. It is known as part of the Golden Triangle, along with Bowdon and Wilmslow, because of its attraction for the rich and famous. Its population is just over 16,000 and it covers 2,264 acres.

In Saxon times, the manor of Hale was owned by  Thegn  Aelfward, whose lands were given to the Norman de Massey. The Massey family also gained possession of Dunham and Bowdon and remained barons of this area until the mid-14th century. The name Hale is said to come from the Anglo-Saxon halh meaning a nook or shelter and a settlement with this name is recorded as far back as 7th or 8th century. During the Medival period, Hale Barns was developed as an additional settlement.
These days, the area has a bustling high street with local amenities available along Ashley Road and a great selection of bars and restaurants. Hale also attracts the more adventurous types with plenty of country parks and walks close by.