On:
The name Woodford, or derivatives of Woodford, dates back to the Middle Ages, when 500 square miles of forest covered the area, from Leek to Marple. The name is most likely attributed to the crossing of the River Dean, near the Deanwater Hotel, meaning the place in the Wood to ford the river, or perhaps the ford made of wood. The jury is out on that one, as there will likely be contributions in future issues to further the debate.
