Moravian Settlement

The present Fairfield settlement was built by the Moravian church in 1785. In 1743, there had been an earlier attempt in Dukinfield, covering fifty four acres, but this was abandoned when the land lease expired. The style of the buildings is simple, and of the Georgian era. It was designed by the architect Benjamin Henry la Trobe, who was also responsible for the Capital building, Washington D.C. in the U.S.A.

Education was essential to the Moravian culture. In 1793, Day Schools were opened alongside Sunday schools and the pupils included non-Moravian children. This progressed to separate boarding schools for boys and girls in 1803 and 1796. Fairfield High School for Boys was opened in 1871, but unfortunately was forced to close due to competition from Manchester. During the nineteenth century, the Moravians were responsible for seven Sunday schools, a mechanics institute and a night school, the latter two of which had their own library.

The Moravian settlement that is in existence today incorporates a blend of "stone paving, cobbled streets and gardens", but despite it's historic village appearance, the area is still home to a vibrant and living community.