Towns and Villages

Funky Facts about Kidsgrove...

The headless ghost, the Boggart, is supposed to haunt one of the canal tunnels in the town. She was a poor woman murdered on a narrow-boat by the man she was travelling with. Her shrieks can apparently still be heard in woods nearby... (Aaargh!)

The canal often runs red at Kidsgrove... but it's not blood. It's the iron ore that influences the colour.

One of the most cruel of modern murders took place in the area's Bathpool Park. The 'Black Panther', Donald Neilsen, secreted his victim in one of the large drain-holes there, and she was captive there until she died.

Reginald Mitchell, inventor of the Spitfire, was born in Butt Lane, a suburb of Kidsgrove.

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Comment

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Some of Your Comments

Not
Kidsgrove is a great place to live, it has good parks and it's very quiet .If you go around the town you can see an amazing view all the way to Wales.

Theresa: I live in Cornwall now, I have been in Newquay for nearly 30 years. I have very fond memories of Kidsgrove. Walking to Mow Cop castle in the summer holidays. Walking along the canals, playing tennis in Clough Hall Park, sitting in the pavilion when it was raining. Playing on the black hills, across the brook. I spent a very happy childhood in Kidsgrove. Most of my family still live there and I like to go back as many times in a year as I can.

Thin Nenseth: Kidsgrove shines in a rosy light, I met my wife Christine there in 1958 when learning about DEUCE, the English Electric computer. She has given me a happy life and a wonderful family here in Norway. Our romantic walks along the canals and past the gas works forever stays in the mind and Third Avenue with gas lights and rows of trees seemed like a lovely place. We have returned for several holidays enjoying family hospitality.

Trafford: Kidsgrove, I remember that town, I was born in Lamb St, lived in Wellington Rd, I was taught in the old Dove Bank school, the school yard overlooked the Cheshire Plains, (happy days). I also lived in a bungalow attached to Attwood St cemetery. Great place to live, neighbourly terraced streets with a wealth of shops, catering for everyone’s needs. Then arrived the 60`s and clowns in their great wisdom decided to rip the heart out of my home town.
Kidsgrove is now a shell in every sense, no community.

Kidsgrove bunny: I love Kidsgrove! I was born and raised in this town just like my father was! We have an artificial lake at Bathpool and scary woodland around it where even the bravest people will not travel at night. Discover the mysteries of our famous murder and be thrilled by the eerie woods at night!. We do not need a decent town centre, we are not that big and I love my hometown the way it is.

algeok: Kidsgrove - has lost its soul. Conceived Chapel St, born Surry Rd, went old and new Dove Bank. I remember the old streets and shops, and the fun of playing in the demolition. Got to admit, the new face did not make a better heart.

David Nicholls: I was born in Scholar Green but moved away age 8. Frequently visited relatives there during teenage years and visited again June 2007 age 54! Still have very fond memories - it hasn't changed all that much especially around the church (Odd Rode), the railway and canal nearby. I have written and submitted an article about Scholar Green in the 1950's to a national magazine - hope it gets a mention because it deserves it!
VERY BEST WISHES TO ALL SCHOLAR GREENITES EVERYWHERE!!! (From a son of Scholar Green)