The Work of Stott & Sons for the Linotype Company at Altrincham 2: The Housing Estate

ABSTRACT The architects Stott & Sons were responsible for the works of the Linotype Company at Broadheath near Altrincham, Cheshire, in 1896–9. A housing estate was developed in association with the works from 1897. This was laid out on the lines of later garden suburb planning with curving roads and short terraces, providing superior housing for the workforce. The houses, in four types of varying size and rental value, are of picturesque cottage style of somewhat eccentric appearance. Census records show that occupancy of the types of houses depended more on family size and the number of wage earners rather than place in the works’ hierarchy. There was mildly paternalistic thinking behind the estate, but provision was also influenced by commercial motives and a lack of existing housing. A second stage of housing was designed by the company's own drawing office following disagreements with Stott & Sons. The estate was never completed to its originally intended size, although it survives largely intact and is now a conservation area.