English Heritage runs a scheme for free access open days at their major properties each year in September, but this year they are extending it and encouraging owners of domestic and other smaller properties, with listing, to open their doors to the public so that more can enjoy our shared heritage.
The Grey Cottage, 20 Jackson’s Edge Rd. Disley Stockport, SK12 2JE, is Grade II listed and has been run as a traditional Bed and Breakfast for 22 years. It has an interesting history as it was the former home of James Ralston, well-known Disley character, for many years in the 19th century. He wrote dairies about local life, which are kept at Cheshire Archives.
The Grey Cottage was also the home of Allan Monkhouse, sub-editor of The Manchester Guardian in the early part of the 20th century, and his son, Patrick Monkhouse, Literary editor of the same newspaper, and a driving force for the National Parks access to the countryside movement in the 1930s, leading to designation of the Peak District National Park in 1948. Allan Monkhouse was a successful novelist and playwright, and his plays were performed at the Gaiety Theatre in London. One of his plays was performed at The Library Theatre in Manchester in 2008.
The house will be open on three consecutive days, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September, from 2-5 pm. Space is limited indoors, but archive material will be displayed, together with a brief history of the house.
Further information about the history and location of The Grey Cottage can be found on the website, www.greycottagedisley.co.uk, together with transport links.
