The charming village of Nangreaves, near Bury, is a world unto itself, and residents say they would not choose to live anywhere else
Perched atop a steep cobbled road to nowhere, one of Greater Manchester’s most secluded villages, Nangreaves, sits.
Despite being a stone’s throw from the M66 and just a few miles north of Bury, this charming village feels like its own little world. A stroll around the cluster of cottages offers a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, with a picturesque backdrop of rolling green hills. The stone pathways and vintage street lamps give a sense of stepping back in time – especially around Mount Pleasant, an idyllic settlement within the village. However, aside from rows of quaint homes, the hamlet lacks shops or restaurants. It was once home to a beloved pub, The Lord Raglan, which sadly closed down in 2017 when its landlord retired.
This devastating closure saw the community’s last remaining local amenity disappear, further adding to the village’s isolated nature. But locals say they relish feeling tucked away from society – stating they wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. Paul Robinson, who has lived in the village with his wife Kairen for 27 years, handed a reporter from the Manchester Evening News a magazine article from the 90s. ‘A lonely idyll,’ the headline read.
“It may be on the road to nowhere, but the village of Nangreaves is a rather special place.” A retired physiotherapist couldn’t agree more. “The people are friendly,” she said. “It’s got a good community feeling and we’re only half away from the city centre.” “It’s just a lovely place to live. We’ve always liked living here. It’s just really lovely and safe. Everyone watches out for each other.”
This is how residents describe Mount Pleasant, originally built to house mill workers during the Industrial Revolution and now a thriving residential community. The village, a rare example of a purpose-built factory village, features a mix of 19th-century terraced homes and newer houses and apartments developed in 1988 on the site of the original mill.
Ken O’Brien, 86, who has lived in Nangreaves his whole life, said: “It’s changed with the patrons, obviously. It’s re-developed from when I first came here. It’s still very pleasant. It’s still called the jewel of Bury. The view is lovely.” However, he did mention some issues: “We do have problems with the deteriorating cobble roads. To live here, you have to have a vehicle. Without being rude, the bus isn’t 100 per cent all the time.”
Another resident, a 52-year-old opera singer who has lived in the village for 30 years, appreciates the small community feel and the convenience: “I like the fact it’s a small community and we all get on very well. It has close links to the motorway – I work in Leeds as an opera singer. We’re also close to Ramsbottom which is a great shopping time.”
Residents are up in arms over the incessant rumble of heavy tractors disrupting their sleep in the early hours, with one local lamenting, “There is an awful lot of heavy tractors going up and down in the early hours of the morning. It’s not just your normal farm traffic. A few of the older residents have complained to a local MP.” Meanwhile, another resident speaks fondly of the community spirit, saying, “I have some nice relationships with my neighbours. You know you can call on someone if you’re in need.”
The tranquillity of rural life is a charm for some, as one villager reflects, “For me, it’s a nice sanctuary to get away from the busy cities. We did consider moving to a bigger house, but growing up here, the kids had a lot of freedom. They could go out and explore the local countryside. They had a real interest in the environment and the place they lived.”
Despite the idyllic setting, the loss of a local amenity weighs heavily on the community, with a resident noting, “We’re very lucky that we have the bus on the hour. It’s a real lifeline. One thing that is very missed is the pub. It was the heartbeat of the village. It’s a shame.” Bury Council and Transport for Greater Manchester have been approached for comment.
