In 1322, there were 32 dwellings suggesting a population of 150, the ten freeholders of the escheated manor had the right to graze on common pasture and to cut wood.

[1] In spite of the industrial developments nearby in Stockport and Manchester, most of Heaton Norris remained agricultural, though in 1836 there were 20 mills employing upwards of 5,000.

The majority of Heaton Norris is characterised by deck-access or high-rise estates (such as Lancashire Hill) and Victorian terraced housing.

Heaton Norris Rovers, now known as Stockport County Football Club, was formed in 1883, and used to play on a pitch behind the Nursery Inn on Green Lane.

A spur of the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly passes through the suburb, over the large brick-built Stockport Viaduct.

The Stockport, Timperley and Altrincham Junction Railway, operated by Cheshire Lines Committee, ran parallel the north bank of the river.

[11][12] Some of the scenes for the BBC One comedy drama Sunshine, starring Steve Coogan, Bernard Hill, Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, were filmed in the Nursery Inn, a local pub.

Part of an advert for Paddy Power starring Rhodri Giggs was also filmed in Heaton Norris Park.