heatons

Heatons refers to a group of four townships in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. These townships are Heaton Norris, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Chapel and Reddish, and Heaton Moor. Historically, they formed part of the parish of Stockport in the Macclesfield Hundred of Cheshire. The area's name is derived from "heatun," an Old English word meaning "high farm" or "high settlement."

The development of the Heatons as distinct communities accelerated in the Victorian era, largely due to the expansion of the railway network. This made the area an attractive residential location for people working in Manchester. Each of the four Heatons has its own character and historical origins. Heaton Norris, for example, is the most northerly and historically the largest. Heaton Mersey developed as a separate village with its own civic amenities. Heaton Chapel and Reddish share a railway station and have a mixed industrial and residential character, while Heaton Moor is known for its affluent housing and green spaces.

The modern administrative structure places these townships within the borough of Stockport, though they retain a strong sense of local identity. The area is characterized by a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, alongside more modern developments. Several parks and recreational areas serve the communities, contributing to their appeal as residential areas. The proximity to Manchester, coupled with local amenities and transport links, continues to make the Heatons a sought-after part of Greater Manchester.