The Moravian Settlement was found today
I love discovering new places as a web designer, social media marketer and copywriter.
Manchester, as a home and workplace, fascinates me. It is exciting, vibrant and tolerant.
Walking to Droylsden
Today I decided to complete a long walk with Cassie. The destination? Droylsden, Tameside, about 4 miles from home. Luckily there were only three roads to cross – Butler Street, Miles Platting, Old Mill Street in New Islington and Fairfield Road in Droylsden.
The rest was along the Rochdale canal and the Ashton canal. I chronicled the walk on Instagram and TikTok, as I often do. I enjoyed it, as did my border collie Cassie. She can walk until her paws bleed (and I’m a keen walker).
Walking is a favourite pastime
Walking has become a way of life, since moving here last year. My car is largely unused and I have toyed with getting rid of it. Not yet though, as it does come in handy.
We walked up the Ashton Canal, passing the Etihad, the Velodrome and Sportcity, before turning right into Fairfield.
The Moravian Settlement
What I saw here was surprising.
It’s an 18th century Moravian settlement. Moravians are Protestants and they came to Manchester, en route to the USA and settled in Droylsden.
A red post box, a statue and two pillars greeted us.
Entering the Moravian Settlement was a delight
Cobbled roads, historic cottages and villas lined the first road. Another road led down to Fairfield High School for Girls, the Moravian church and graveyard and a college. The college is now a museum, I was told by two friendly dog walkers.
The church was lovely with tall perpendicular windows, a bell tower and a design that reminded me of Methodist churches, albeit on a grander scale.
God’s Acre
I looked around the graveyard, called “God’s Acre” at the headstones set like paving stones and wandered into the church, conscious a service was in progress, so I was careful not to intrude too much.
A friendly member of the church gave me some information leaflets, but I declined an invitation to join the service, as Cassie was tethered outside.
I loved the settlement
It felt like stepping back in time, a perfectly preserved village in an otherwise modern town.
I think too that its formation speaks volumes for Manchester. Moravians were escaping persecution in Germany and the now Czech Republic. They were presumably welcomed here and built a small community – with shop, pub (now demolished), school and church.
Manchester – a city of tolerance and healing
Manchester has always accepted and welcomed migrants. It is a tolerant, multicultural city with 220 languages spoken and immigration has added so much to the city.
I often wonder why other parts of the country can’t follow Manchester’s lead. I know London is diverse, of course, but I don’t know about its tolerance as I’ve only visited.
A homecoming
Having lived near Manchester from 1987 to 1996 and returning in December, the diversity is in plain sight.
From Cheetham Hill to Prestwich, from Moss Side to Didsbury, tolerance and diversity is evident everywhere.
It perhaps explains why Manchester is so anti-Brexit and so anti-Tory. People here value migration as they know different races and cultures enrich a place.
Where this Manchester web design company is based
I live on Oldham Road, and the strip of businesses running down to Great Ancoats Street has many Vietnamese and Korean owners. I love it.
Manchester is a warm and wet enveloping whole. It is inclusive, friendly and accepting. It’s why 2024 will see me remain here.
It’s been a great professional and personal move. Business is doing well here, as am I.
I may have left this place 27 years ago, but Manchester has welcomed me back and like Piaf I have no regrets about moving back here.
Amazing discovery
I’m not religious, either, but the Moravian Settlement in Fairfield, Droylsden, was amazing and speaks volumes about Manchester and its wonderful people.
If you’re keen to know more about how we can help your business grow with our Manchester online web design and content marketing services, get in touch.
