Dear Joan,

I am doing some research on behalf of my brother who lives on Windsor Way. We are trying to find when the houses were built as the deeds do not tell us very much. In the late 1800's it was known as Gas Yard (or Street), but I have also heard it refered to as Ogden Terrace, a relatively new development in 1874. I wonder if you have any information regarding this and we are also interested to find anything about the Gas and Water Works. I hope you can help.

Thank you Gill Sheridan

Joan answers:

Knutsford Gas Works

I always smile at the change of name from Gas Street to Windsor Way - how to go up in the world! Nearby in Rostherne, Dirty Lane has become Cherry tree lane.

Your houses were called Ogden Terrace after John Ogden ' gas proprietor' aged 58 in the 1861 census.

The Gas Works was opened in 1844 near to Manchester Road by John Ogden (also listed as farmer). I reckon he may have lived in the larger house at the corner of Manchester Road and Windsor Way - named Gas Street until about 20 years ago.

Below - the development of Gas Street to present day Windsor Way

I think the Gas company became Light and Water Co in the mid 1860's.

The maps above show the position of the Gas works and later expansion. The Water tower stood near the later gasometer at the end of Albert Street. The first water tower can still be seen on Mobberley Road, it was supplied with water from the mill pool a little further up the road close to the Mobberley boundary and river Birkin.

The Light and water Company was formed about 1860.

Joan Leach 10.02.03