When I last posted a photo of the Bankfield Hotel on Mottram New Road in September 2008 I didn't know much about its history.
Now, I am informed, it was once famous for its pleasure gardens known as Bowkers Gardens, after Joshua Bowker the proprietor. The gardens were a popular resort for the people of Hyde and surrounding townships. A band pavilion stood in the gardens, and in front of it was a spacious platform for dancing. At nights there were balloon ascents and illuminations, and the place was run as a sort of miniature Belle Vue.
This, further information and an old photograph of the hotel can be found on Hyde Cheshire.
The Bankfield is no longer a hotel but it looks as if its conversion into residential accomodation has been done more sympathetically than some other conversions.
6 comments:
They seem to have done a good job of it Gerald. It was too nice a building to waste.
Interesting history, there must be many great stories from those old days. Looks a really nice conversion.
What a beautiful building !
What a wonderful looking building. I like such timber-framed houses.
I think I would be very happy if I had the opportunity to live there!It's charming!
Léia
Hi, just to your comment on about 'conversion into apartments' it is acually a house not aprtments. it is stunning!
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