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Opening ceremony JLP01_08_67247A
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Opening ceremony JLP01_08_67247A
M6 Motorway, Knutsford Service Area, Knutsford, Tabley Superior, Cheshire East, Cheshire East. The Rt. Hon. Ernest Marples (facing the camera) in conversation with another man at the opening ceremony of a stretch of the M6 Motorway between North Staffordshire and Cheshire.
This photograph is from a batch which is recorded in the negative register as having been taken at Knutsford. However, in December 1963 in the Laing monthly newsletter Team Spirit, an article records that a short ceremony occurred at Keele Service area where a film was presented to the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council. This preceded the official opening, just over two hours later, of the Hanchurch-Lymm section of the M6 by the Rt. Hon. Ernest Marples. It also mentions that the minister had a tour of the motorway by coach. The opening ceremony is known to have occurred at Knutsford but some of the photographs may also have been taken at Keele
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091347
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Ceremony Construction Motorway People Road
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the opening ceremony of a stretch of the M6 Motorway between North Staffordshire and Cheshire. The Rt. Hon. Ernest Marples, facing the camera with an air of importance, engages in conversation with another man at the event held in Knutsford Service Area, Tabley Superior, Cheshire East. The photograph is part of a batch recorded in the negative register as being taken at Knutsford. However, there is an intriguing twist to this story. In December 1963, an article published in Laing monthly newsletter Team Spirit revealed that a short ceremony actually took place at Keele Service area prior to the official opening by Mr. Marples himself. The image not only showcases the construction and development of this iconic motorway during the 1960s but also highlights the significance and attention it garnered from influential figures such as Mr. Marples. It is clear that this historic occasion was marked by grandeur and celebration as dignitaries gathered to witness this milestone achievement for both Staffordshire County Council and Cheshire East. As we delve into our archives here at Historic England Archive, we are reminded once again of how photographs can transport us back in time and provide valuable insights into our pasts.
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