Map of Didsbury in the 18th century

Northenden Ford and Stenner Lane are clearly to be seen. Note Car Brow Lane (Ford Lane) and the absence of any buildings, roads or tracks on the area now known as Ford Bank. Before the construction of Palatine Road (at first known as Northenden New Road) in 1862, the route from Didsbury to Northenden was to travel down Car Brow Lane, ford the River Mersey and then continue down King’s Lane past the current Didsbury Golf Clubhouse.