Stockport Leasing

Did You Know?

“If you want to get ahead, get a head” is a famous saying, and although it was primarily used to promote the sale of hats, it is something that has stuck with many people over the years. Stockport was famous for hat production and Stockport exported over 6 million hats around the world, meaning that there was a little bit of Stockport in so many cities and countries.

Stockport was recorded as "Stokeport" in 1170. The currently accepted etymology is Old English port, a market place, with stoc, a hamlet hence, a market place at a hamlet.

Stockport began as a small village. However in the 13th century Stockport grew into a town. In 1260 the people of Stockport were given a charter, which gave them certain rights including the right to hold weekly markets and annual fairs.

The work of L.S. Lowry is revered for presenting the Greater Manchester area to the world and Stockport was a regular feature in the artist’s work. This means that many people would be able to identify some of the more famous locations in Stockport without having ever visited the area.

The Plaza in Stockport dates back to 1932 and it is recognised internationally as being the last building of this nature which is still in its original format.

Strawberry Studios operated in Stockport from 1968 to 1993 and while it was owned and used by 10cc, a range of massive artists recorded at the studio. Joy Division and The Stone Roses are not just two of the best Manchester and UK acts of all time.

By the year 1700 the population of Stockport was probably still less than 2,000. In the 18th century Stockport became known for its silk weaving industry and several water powered silk mills were built. Meanwhile the town grew much larger and by 1780 Stockport had about 5,000 people

Port is the famous play for Simon Stephens. He was a local writer in Stockport. National Theatre in London has housed the performance of Port.

The regicide John Bradshaw (1602–1659) was born at Wibersley, in the parish of Stockport, baptised in the parish church and attended Stockport Free School. A lawyer, he was appointed lord president of the high court of justice for the trial of King Charles I in 1649.