St Mary's School
Haughton Green

This school was built as a replacement for the Haughton Dale Mill School (the Iron School), which was demolished in 1905, and it stood on the north-west side of Haughton Green Rd at the back of the 'Green'. It served the dual purpose of providing both Day and Sunday schools. The benefactor for the new school was the Revd Arthur Dixon MA (18 Jun 1862-11 Dec 1937) who was the Rector of St Mary's Church from 1902 until 1906. He contributed £6,000 towards its construction and he also bought a parcel of land behind the school that was large enough for cricket and football grounds. Subsequently, he became an auxiliary postman attached to Denton Post Office.

During the 1950s the annual amateur pantomimes staged at the school rose to some prominence and it was said that they were of a professional standard.

The school was demolished in 1971 and the site is now occupied by Key Court, which is accessed from Haughton Green Rd via Reid Close. Key Court was so named in honour of local historian, Burley Key, who died in 1984, aged 84 years.

St Mary's School, early 20th century.

St Mary the Virgin, Haughton Green.
OPENING of the NEW SCHOOL,
on Saturday, November 4th, 1905 at 3-30 p.m.,
BY THE
LORD BISHOP OF MANCHESTER.
TO BE FOLLOWED BY A
PUBLIC TEA PARTY,
to be held in the OLD SCHOOLS at HAUGHTON DALE. Tea (sandwiches)
on the tables at 4-30 prompt. Tickets, One Shilling each.

It has been decided that the above Party, to which you are cordially invited, shall form a sort of leave-taking of the place which for so many years has served the people of this district as a Day and Sunday School, and also was the foundation of the Church with which it has been connected. It is thought that a gathering of old Teachers and Scholars who can conveniently attend would be a most interesting affair, would renew many old friendships and bring back to the minds of those present bright recollections of many pleasant and happy associations connected with the school. It is proposed to invite all old Teachers and Scholars who can be traced, and to secure, if not their presence, a message of good will and affection for the place which doubtless is often in their thoughts. It is believed that a gathering such as this will be an event unequalled in the experience of all, and will never be forgotten by the youngest of those privileged to be present on this occasion. Owing to the length of time the School has been open it will be difficult to trace all those who have been connected with it. The Committee therefore invite assistance from all who can give it, in order that none may be overlooked.

On behalf of the Committee, I remain sincerely yours, WILLIAM MELLOR, Two Trees Lane, Denton.

Rector: Rev. ARTHUR DIXON, M.A.

The above notice states that the school is to be opened by the Bishop of Manchester and at this time the bishop was the Rt Revd Edmund Arbuthnott Knox. It also states that a Public Tea Party is to be held in the Old Schools at Haughton Dale. This refers to Haughton Dale Mill School (the Iron School) that the new school replaced. Perhaps this was the last occasion that the Iron School was used and that work on its demolition commenced shortly afterwards.

Bishop Edmund Arbuthnott Knox.