Welcome to Alderley Edge; home to the youngest peer in UK political history, and Matt Healy at one stage

Having received a life peerage thanks to the controversial resignation honours list by former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, Charlotte Owen not only becomes the youngest peer in UK political history at the age of 30, but she also becomes a baroness in the process. She will be known as Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge and will sit as a Conservative peer, as she was introduced to the Lords on Monday alongside Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

In becoming Baroness Own of Alderley Edge, the former advisor to Boris Johnson is believed to be the youngest person ever to be given a life peerage, which is nominated by prime ministers, opposition leaders and other party leaders. The House of Lords said it was not aware of any younger life peers, with its records stretching back to 1958, however, it said there were examples of hereditary peers who became members at a younger age.

However, Owen is by no means the first peer to become Baron of Alderley Edge; the title was created in 1839 when then John Thomas Stanley received a peerage after being a Member of Parliament for Wootton Bassett. He would become known as Baron Stanley of Alderley, later to be officially titled Sir John Stanley, 7th Baronet.

Along with Owen, other young peers include Ben Gascoigne and Ross Kempsell, with Jacob Rees-Mogg and Priti Patel, both former Cabinet ministers under Johnson, also receiving recognition, he a knighthood and she a damehood. Former ministers Andrea Jenkyns and Amanda Milling also received damehoods.

Ben Houchen, the mayor of Tees Valley, and Shaun Bailey, a former London mayoral candidate and member of the London Assembly, are two of the new peers, but in order to prevent more by-elections for the Conservatives, no serving MPs were given peerages.

So has Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge inherited an affluent area of the northwest of England, and has the affluent area had, or has, any famous names we might be familiar with that now have to take the knee for the Baroness (we joke.)

Where is Alderley Edge?

Alderley Edge is a village and civil parish located in Cheshire, England. Situated 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Macclesfield and 12 miles (19 km) south of Manchester, the village rests at the base of a steep and wooded sandstone escarpment known as "The Edge." The picturesque location overlooks the scenic Cheshire Plain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. 

Alderley Edge's affluence and expensive houses have earned it a spot inside Cheshire's Golden Triangle, making it one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK, attracting celebrities, footballers, and multi-millionaire businesspeople.

For those wanting to buy a house in the area, you’re looking at £435,000 for the cheapest property according to Rightmove, with the most expensive being a five-bedroom, five-bathroom detached home currently on the market for £10,000,000.

How much history does Alderley Edge have?

Alderley Edge has a historical connection to the aristocracy; since the 15th century, most of the area's estates have belonged to the De Trafford baronets. The principal manors were based on Chorley Old Hall, a 14th-century building located southwest of Alderley Edge, and the Old Hall in Nether Alderley, a 16th-century structure that unfortunately burned down in 1779. 

Throughout history, various Barons and Baronesses have held ownership and influence over the area. The legacy of these historical connections adds to the village's cultural and historical significance, including the aforementioned Baron Stanley of Alderley.

Has anyone famous resided in Alderley Hedge at one stage?

Alderley Edge has attracted numerous famous residents over the years. The village's exclusive and luxurious appeal has made it a favourite spot for Premier League footballers, actors, musicians, and multi-millionaire businesspeople. 

Some notable celebrities who have called Alderley Edge home include Manchester United players like Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, and Andy Cole, as well as former player Dwight Yorke. The village has also hosted famous footballer Joleon Lescott. Beyond the world of sports, musicians Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook have lived in Alderley Edge. 

Additionally, The 1975 singer-songwriter Matty Healy spent his formative years in the village, being raised by his actor parents, Denise Welch and Tim Healy, before galavanting around the world with the band and, at one stage, Taylor Swift.