The Cotton Tree

Although the Cotton Tree on the junction of Markham Street and Whitnall Street closed in 2012 and has been converted into apartments it has retained some of the signage.

The Cotton Tree was opened in 1830 by Joseph Cash. Cash was dragged from his horse and beaten to death on 21st August 1833 but no-one was convicted of his murder.

There are tales told of one man being hanged outside and of another being shot to death in the tap room.

Originally owned by the Ardwick brewers Issott's, by the 1970s it had become a Wilson's house. For a photograph and account from 1975 see the Hydonian blog

The pub's association with the Chartists movement is documented on a blue plaque on the front of the building.

Opened in 1830 and so named as it coincided with the opening
of the cotton mills in the Newton area by the Ashton Brothers

Features prominently in the Chartist movement,
largely because Joseph Rayner Stephens, Dr. P.M. McDouall
and John Bradley were arrested as a result of a meeting
held here on 28th July 1839

A popular meeting place for the local Chartists where
crowds would meet after dark with firearms
and banners to further their cause
for political and social reform

A contribution to signs, signs.