Early
maps of Macclesfield based on the survey in 1840 - 1841 record that the area
had plenty of brick and tile earth, limestone, marble, slate and walling
stone. Local builders chose the beautifully coloured limestone to face many of
their buildings in those early days and the stone is still being used today.
Some of the original faces have been restored.
One of Macclesfield's first stone cottages was built in 1841 along with an Inn, the Goat's Head (established by S. Jackson) along with several gardens in the town. The first Sunday service (January 14, 1844) was held in the front room of one of these cottages and delivered by Reverend J.B. Austin.
The
"Three Brothers Arms Hotel", originally known as the "Davenport
Arms Hotel" (named after G. Francis, Samuel & Robert Davenport), was
first established in 1843. Out back was an open fronted yard with buildings on
three sides, stables, harness rooms, feed rooms and coach shed with the
Ostler's quarters above the feed room reached by a ladder.
Farming
the new country was not easy. The land, particularly that which was covered
with stringy bark forest, was difficult to clear. Apparently crops of wheat,
oats and barley grew exceptionally well in the virgin soil.
