Refusing the wealthy living of Dunham, he accepted the humble one of Madeley, where for twenty-five years (1760-1785) he lived and worked with unique devotion and zeal.
Many residences in the locality are occupied by those whose business lies in Manchester, who are attracted by the healthy climate and the vicinity of Bowdon Downs and Dunham Massey Woods.
Altrincham (Aldringham) was originally included in the barony of Dunham Massey, one of the eight baronies founded by Hugh, earl of Chester, after the Conquest.
It is the seat of a State Normal Training School, and has a public library and Dunham Hall Library (1878).
A Benedictine monastery was founded (c. 1 i 50) by Hamon de Mascy, third baron of Dunham Massey, and dedicated to St Mary and St James.