Aerial photograph, 1927

The River Mersey, flowing from right to left, cuts through the heart of this picture. South of the river is Didsbury golf course, the clubhouse clearly visible to the right of Ford Lane. To the north of the river, left, can be seen parts of Withington golf course. Simon’s Bridge spans the river, centre. The Y-junction formed by Ford Lane and Stenner Lane, centre right, can also be seen. Ford Bank House and the estate farm can be seen to the north of Ford Lane.

This picture gives an interesting insight into how the landscape looked in the years before it was sold off and built on. Note the openness of the terrain. Other points of interest clearly visible include Victoria Avenue, Spath Road, Lancaster Road (leading to The White House), Holme Road, Dene Road (now Dene Road West), Marie Louise Gardens and Palatine Road.

This picture should be viewed with the aid of the 1907 Ordnance Survey. Hayescroft (Heyscroft), a substantial Victorian mansion built for Mark Ashton, is sited between Palatine Road and Withington golf course. It was linked to the Ashton family home at Fordbank House by a footpath that can be seen on the map.

Ford Bank House and estate farm, 1931