Audenshaw began life as one of the four parts of the parish of Ashton.  It consisted of a few cottages and was a rural area.  There are however not many old buildings left now because the Manchester Corporation's reservoirs, built during the nineteenth century, drowned them, and most of those that were left have since been destroyed.

A brief history

Audenshaw, like the rest of Tameside, had to industrialise, so as farming declined, printing and linen factories were set up, alongside the industries of hatting and coal mining.  These were the primary industries up to the mid twentieth century, when coal slumped and Audenshaw had to move into engineering and light industries along with the rest of Tameside.

Entertainment and facilities

Guide Bridge Theatre is a comfortable and attractive theatre, which stages many productions with local talent.  It also has it's own drama group.  There are plenty of pubs in Audenshaw, varying from the quiet to the very loud, and there is a popular fitness studio.

Parish Church

St. Stephens is a an old church, built in 1846, situated on the corner of Audenshaw Road and Guide Lane, It has a large graveyard surrounding the church and an interesting history.  Where the church is old, Lodge Barn is ancient and although not intact, much of it is clearly visible.

Audenshaw today

Audenshaw today is a small town without a real centre.  Most of the shops are along Market Street which is the main road leading to Droylsden.  Ryecroft Hall is a beautiful and prominant building which serves as both the local community centre and a venue to hire for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings etc.

Although much of the history of the area has been lost, it is still possible to piece together life in the past from the remaining evidence, .