Wycliffe’s first minister, Rev John Thornton lived at Wycliffe Villa on Edgeley Road during his time as minister at the Church. His wife Catherine also ran a boarding school from there according to census returns from 1851 and 1861. Although it may seem a long way from the Church, with old road layouts it actually would not have been that far.

Wycliffe Villa is now the successful Wycliffe Hotel, Edgeley, and the friendly staff were happy to take us on a tour around the original building. They also showed us a fascinating framed collection of pictures and information about the Thornton family. It has been extremely useful and will provide excellent material for the history booklet.
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