Historically part of Cheshire, it lies in the valley of Longdendale, on the border with Derbyshire and close to the Peak District neighbouring Broadbottom and Hattersley. Mottram in Longdendale Parish was one of the eight ancient parishes of the Macclesfield Hundred of Cheshire. The larger Mottram parish was incorporated into Longdendale in 1936, remaining part of Cheshire, then incorporated into Tameside as part of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 in 1974. Even as late as 1991, the town has the preferred name of Mottram in Longdendale.