If you grew up in and around Stockport or have simply passed through the Greater Manchester town with someone who knows the area, you yourself might have asked the age-old question, ‘Why’s it called The Bear Pit?’
We are, of course, referring to the oft-unexplained landmark that sits on Mersey Square between the shopping centre, the bus station and the precinct underneath the stretch of Wellington Road that leads to the A6.
The stone rotunda which is set into the square and sits as somewhat of a disused amphitheatre — apart from the odd busker playing drums, people eating their lunch, memorials, or the site of Stockport‘s Christmas tree — and has long existed as one those places everyone knows but knows very little about.
Speaking as a native Stopfordian myself, I too will confess that it was not until recently that I finally learned the history behind The Bear Pit and how it got its name. It sounds a bit daft to admit now but it’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin.
Yes, believe it or not, legend has it that the landmark may have once played host to big furry beasts hundreds of years ago as part of the cruel tradition of ‘bear-baiting‘, which was prominent throughout England and the UK from the 12th-19th century.
Although it might seem weird to picture a bear in the middle of Stockport now, it is said that much like many city centres and town squares back then, people would gather around the now-empty landmark to watch as bears were poked, prodded, taunted and forced to fight dogs on chains.
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Not the finest chapter in the region’s history.
24th in the #Manchester Scrapbook, and like no. 23 a grim scene: 'Bear beating with Wheel barrows and Bladers opposite the Old Boars Head Hydes Cross about the year 1749'. Thomas Barritt was 5 or 6 then, so he may just have remembered events of this kind. https://t.co/VCYqyjcPELpic.twitter.com/T3qvF14Rnt
— Chetham's Library (@chethamslibrary) June 5, 2020
The bears were reportedly kept in large caves cut into the sandstone at the foot of the High Bank Side towards Underbank and Stockport’s famous Air Raid Shelters, though they were obviously sealed up not long after. In fact, the area located just next to the shelters is called ‘Bear Hole’ for that very reason.
Bear-baiting was eventually abolished in 1835 just before the beginning of the Victorian era and the site which earned its name from the cruel blood sport was no more, but its slightly eery legacy lives on without most people even knowing it — especially when you think of teddies left there for memorials.
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It may have stopped functioning as an actual bear pit a long time ago, but it has played host to various other public demonstrations in the 188 years since and is still known by that same morbid moniker. Pretty cool, right? As for how much truth there is to it, we’d love to know as much as you.
The Bear Pit in its present form was rebuilt in 1935 as part of the other Mersey Square improvements and obviously looks a lot different to how it did back then the same goes for the ever-changing face of Stockport, but at least now you know how it came to be in the first place. Random pub chat trivia sorted.
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Beautiful Stockport cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Bohemian Arts Club, the stunning cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden, has announced its closure.
The Stockport venue was opened by Tom and his wife Katie back in 2023, taking over a formerly derelict three-storey building on Coopers Brow.
While the ground floor was initially home to Katie’s thriving hair salon, Bohemian Salon, the top two floors were transformed into a vintage, design-led cocktail bar filled with mirror-tiled doors and heart-shaped chairs hand-made by Katie’s mum and dad.
But today, Bohemian Arts Club has announced that the building will enter in a ‘brand-new chapter’ – and that means the closure of the cocktail bar.
Bohemian Salon is in such high demand that they have decided to expand it into the top two floors.
The bar shared: “After an amazing 2½ years, we’re excited to share that the building is about to enter a brand-new chapter! With the salon thriving and in such high demand, Bohemian will be expanding upstairs into the two floors above.
“Although this means the bar will be closing and this brings sadness, we also couldn’t be happier to see the space continue to flourish and evolve. It’s been such a joy to share weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and countless celebrations with you all—we’ll always treasure those memories.
Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc GroupCocktails at Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc Group
“Our last service will be Friday 3rd October. For anyone with bookings after this date, we’ll be in touch to cancel—apologies for any inconvenience.
“Thank you so much for your love and support over the last couple of years. Here’s to the next chapter ahead, we can’t wait to show you all the new space!
“Katie, Tom and the team.”
Fans have been sharing their sadness at the news of the bar closure, with one writing: “Gutted about this, you do the best cocktails in Stockport – would love you to open in a new space.”
Another wrote: “Aww we’re gutted the bar is closing! We’re huge Blossoms fans and got engaged at the bar in March 2024 so it will forever be a special place for us. Good luck with the expanding salon!”
And someone else posted: “Noooo my cocktails. Great news for the salon though guys.”