Explore some of the rich history and key events of Mossley’s past.
Our timeline below covers the key moments in Mossley’s life as it changed from a small hamlet to an industrial town, and the key events which made it happen!
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1309
Mossley entered the history books!
In 1309, Henry, son of William de Mossley, claimed land which afterwards became known as the Hamlet of Mossley.
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1617
Mossley was still identified as a division of Ashton.
It was divided into 12 allotments with the names of the holders and the rents recorded.
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1765
The first woollen mill opened.
Previously all manufacturing was done domestically – followed in 1811 by the Huddersfield Canal and in 1849 the railway arrived creating vital transport links for industry.
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1819
Coaches called in on their way to Manchester, Liverpool, Huddersfield and Leeds.
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1821
There were 300 houses and Mossley had a population of only 1,212.
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1831
John and George Mayall opened a water-powered mill at Bottoms.
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1845
A non-denominational school was opened at Baguley/Roughtown in a building now named ‘The Old School House’.
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1849
The railway arrived in Mossley.
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1878
The population increased dramatically to 13,382.
In 1885 a Charter of Incorporation was granted to Mossley. George Andrew was the first Mayor at the first meeting of Mossley Town Council.
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1900s
The Boer War and both world wars had huge implications for industry.
While some employment resulted from the manufacturing of the material for soldier’s uniforms, the town suffered and eventually became very poor.
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1919
Peace Day was celebrated.
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1932
A French company arrived and set up Mossley Wool Combing and Spinning Company.
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1945
After World War 2 new industries appeared and the mills began to be converted or vanish.
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1966
Mossley Civic Society was founded.
The President was the Mayor of Mossley.
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1972
Mossley twinned with Hem, France.
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1974
Mossley was made part of the new Metropolitan Borough of Tameside within Greater Manchester.
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1980
Mossley Football Club were finalists at Wembley.
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1989
The Town Hall (originally George Mayall’s ‘White Hall’) was sold to a private buyer.
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1998
Longlands Mill was purchased by Emmaus Mossley.
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1999
Mossley elected a new town council with representatives from each ward.
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2001
Terry Waite (President of Emmaus) officially opened the Mossley Heritage Centre.
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2016
Mossley Civic Society celebrated their 50th anniversary.
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2018
The Mossley Heritage Trails were launched with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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2019
Mossley Heritage site launched!
