Stubshaw Cross

Stubshaw Cross is a suburb in the Makerfield area of Ashton-in-Makerfield, in the Greater Manchester region of England. Stubshaw Cross first became official in the early 1800s. Stubshaw Cross is mostly recognized because of its various churches.

Stubshaw Cross is mostly houses and fields. The area is split into two different areas, North Stubshaw Cross and South Stubshaw Cross. The north, formerly a council-owned estate, is mainly two-floored 1940s-styled houses, built some time after World War II. North Stubshaw Cross also includes an oriental bar, an off-license and a sandwich shop. The South is a mixture of terraced houses and bungalows, two shops (Ainscough and Bartons Wine & Spirits), and three churches (Saint Lukes, St Wilfreds and Saint Thomas).

Gardens and parks

The Stubshaw Cross park is a popular park to all locals of Ashton-in-Makerfield, usually holding attractions and events each summer. The park has been recently restored and new children's playing park rebuilt. There have been plans to restore the Stubshaw Cross garden on Golborne Road. Previously owned by Lord Gerard's estate, it was abandoned in 1974 due to the division of Ashton Urban District Council. Locals are working to restore the garden.

History

The estate first appeared on the map during 1860. The first school of Stubshaw, St Lukes, was established in 1874 by St Lukes parish, but the school was demolished during the 1970s, and the church during the late 1980s or early 1990s. A Welsh Methodist church (Weslelyan) was established during the late 1800s, and rebuilt in 1910, but is now out of service and re-used as a carpet store (Ashton Carpets). During the late 20th century, a large amount of Stubshaw Cross's original housing was lost.

The name

The name originates mostly from the first church on the site, but is also called Stubshaw Cross because of its crossroad in the south half. The origin of the name 'Stubshaw' is a mystery, probably originating from the creator of the estate. It was also known as Ashton Cross. Ashton Cross is also known as to where Ashton Golf Club is on Liverpool Road, adjoining with Millfield Lane.

Pubs

Today only three pubs exist in this area, The Cross Keys (on Golborne Road), Stubshaw Cross Labour Club (off Bolton Road), and Stubshaw Snooker Club (on Bolton Road). The Ram's Head Pub formerly stood on the top of the hill at the junction of Bolton Road and Golborne Road, but was closed and demolished during the early 1990s, with the new St Lukes church now occupying the site. A clubhouse has stood since 1969 at Ashton Town FC on Edge Green Street.

Schools and other important buildings

The only primary school in this area is St Wilfreds Roman Catholic primary school. Another important building in the area is the Stubshaw care home, a retirement home built during the late 1990s on a former terraced houses and shop site. Edge Green Street is the home of Ashton Town Football Club, who play in the North West Counties League. The ground was the former home of Stubshaw Cross Rovers. Ashton Town was formed in 1953 as Makerfield Mill FC by founder Derek 'Mick' Mycock. The Windsor Road outfit moved to Stubshaw in the 1960s, changed its name, and the clubhouse was opened by England and Liverpool star Roger Hunt on 13 April, 1969.

Geography and climate

Stubshaw Cross is at a peak of a small hill, making this land immune to flooding. The land of Stubshaw is mainly used for farming. A large amount of alochments are used at Stubshaw. The climate of this area is mild, the spring and summer temperature can reach 25° Celsius to 35°C, with a good chance of precipitation. The autumn and winter temperatures can vary from 12°C to –3°C, with little cloud cover and high pressure often present. Thick fog and black ice can appear during winter in the Stubshaw area. Snow is is rare to see in Stubshaw Cross now, usually only snowing once or twice a year.

External links

* [http://www.wiganworld.com/ More about the Stubshaw Cross area and its pubs]
* [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl&q= Google map of Stubshaw Cross]
* [http://maps.live.com/#JndoZXJlMT1TdHVic2hhdy1jcm9zcyZiYj01My41ODg0MjkyMDU0MTcyJTdlLTIuMzU5MzEzOTY0ODQzNzYlN2U1My40MDU4NDc5NjI4MDU3JTdlLTIuNzg5MTU0MDUyNzM0Mzg= Windows Live map of Stubshaw Cross]