On this day in History 9th December 1868

John Bright received by the Queen on becoming President of the Board of Trade. He was sworn a Privy Councillor.

On this day in History 8th December 1886

- "Rochdale Times" first published bi-weekly.

On this day in History 7th December 1901

Mr. John Ellis's first execution; assists at double execution at Newcastle.

On this day in History 6th December 1882

Severe snowstorm; drifts 30 feet deep on the moors; mills stopped running due to operatives being unable to return to work.

On this day in History 5th December 1872

"The Esplanade" in Rochdale received its name on the suggestion of Alderman Taylor, a proposal to name the thoroughfare "Corporation Street" being defeated.

On this day in History 4th December 1919

Councillor H. Shawcross, J.P. (Chairman of the Rochdale Housing Committee) laid the foundation-stone of the first block of dwellings on the Spotland Estate.

On this day in History 3rd December 1868

Fagnani's portraits of Bright and Cobden, which hang in the Rochdale Town Hall, were presented to the town by Mr. T. B. Potter, M.P.

On this day in History 2nd December 1863

The "Southern Independence" Club essayed a lecture in the Rochdale Public Hall in favour of the Southern States. A great crowd attended. Supporters of the Northern programme ultimately got control of the hall and severley handled the lecturer.

On this day in History 1st Dec 1887

1st December 1887 - Rochdale Town Hall clock began to register time. Diameter of dials 11ft, 6ins., being 6ins less than the original; length of pendulum, 15ft.; weight of hour bell, 59cwts.

On this day in History 30th Nov 1918

Dr. Saleeby, authority on eugenics, spoke at the Pioneers' Hall, Rochdale.

On this day in History 29th Nov 1923

Mr. David Lloyd George, M.P, visits Rochdale and addressed meeting on the Town Hall Square.

On this day in History 28th Nov 1916

Mr Earnest Poles, who had lost his speech through the war, recovered it in an accident at Kelsall and Kemp's Mill, Rochdale.

On this day in History 27th Nov 1895

Professor John Milne, the eminent seismologist, in the Public Hall Rochdale, gave lecture on "Earth Movements."

On this day in History 26th Nov 1866

Horses attached to the Whitworth 'bus bolted. In Whitworth Road the vehicle collided with a lamp - post; a man killed by falling from the top of the 'bus.

On this day in History 25th Nov 1880

Government Inquiry into Rochdale's application to borrow £80,000 to complete Spring Mill Reservoir.

On this day in History 24th Nov 1841

Constabulary Force formed in Rochdale.

On this day in History 23rd Nov 1864

Mr. Cobden's last speech in the town of Rochdale. He addressed upwards of 4,000 persons for nearly two hours in Messrs. Robinson and Sons' works.

On this day in History 22nd Nov 1914

First batch of wounded soldiers arrived at Rochdale. Seventeen were taken to the Crippled Children's Home at Norden and 21 went to the Ambulance Drill Hall.

On this day in History 21st Nov 1929

Mr W. W. Wakefield, the well-known International Rugby forward, was principal guest at the annual dinner of Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club.

On this day in History 20th Nov 1919

Melbourne Inman, the world's billiards champion, played a series of exhibition games at the Provident Hall.

On this day in History 19th Nov 1929

Presentation to Colonel G. Scott, J.P., and Mr A. N. Scott of portrait of the late Mr Walter Scott, J.P., by the "Rochdale Observer" and "Heywood Advertiser" staffs.

On this day in History 18th Nov 1930

Mr. F. S. Smythe, eminent mountaineer, lectured at the Art Gallery, Rochdale.

On this day in History 17th Nov 1874

Mr Robert Clough, Temperance Advocate, was presented with a service of plate and a purse of gold in recognition of 20 years' services in the cause.

On this day in History 16th Nov 1926

Mr Peter Dawson, famous baritone, sang at the Champness Hall, Rochdale.

On this day in History 15th Nov 1899

Announced formation of Turner Bros. Co. with a capital of £75,000.

On this day in History 14th Nov 1907

St John's Church, Thornham, opened and consecrated.

On this day in History 13th Nov 1895

Rochdale District Nursing Association formed.

On this day in History 12th Nov 1875

Fall of earth at the Rochdale gasworks during excavations; a youth killed, two men seriously injured.

On this day in History 11th Nov 1908

Announced Knighthood for Alderman James Duckworth, M.P.

On this day in History 10th Nov 1866

"Rochdale and Catherine Rasleigh" Lifeboat launched at Hollingworth Lake; 10,000 persons present.

On this day in History 9th Nov 1929

Sergeant-Major Clarke, Rochdale's only V.C., entertained with other V.C.'s by the Prince of Wales at the House of Lords.

On this day in History 8th Nov 1925

The British Legion, headed by Lord Rochdale, visited the cenotaph.

On this day in History 7th Nov 1908

Announced settlement of cotton dispute in Rochdale. Mills re-started Monday, November 9th.

On this day in History 6th Nov 1892

Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Rochdale, opened. Accommodation for 2,000 persons. Cost £3000.

On this day in History 5th Nov 1880

Bankside Mill, Manchester Road, Rochdale; £2,500. Fire escape used for the first time.

Big Microbes take over Touchstones Rochdale

On Saturday 31st October at Touchstones Rochdale great fun was had by both young and old who discovered what microbes such as salmonella, MRSA, cholera, penicillin, swine flu, common cold look like by knitting, crocheting, felting and pompoming thin into existence. In fact I belive I am right in saying that a pomtastic day was had! Don't forget that every month our Knitty Gritty meets in Touchstones Cafe. Just to remind you that when participating in an event at Touchstones Rochdale you have to be careful to keep your kitchen surfaces spotless - images of microbes in the kitchen can be discovered on Flickr!

On this day in History 4th Nov 1893

Bandstand in Broadfield Park, Rochdale presented by Alderman Duckworth.

On this day in History 3rd Nov 1906

Bagslate golf course opened. Mr Frederick Lye drove the first ball.

On this day in History 2nd Nov 1883

Two Javelins presented to the town by Chief Constable Wilkinson for use by the Chief Magistrate on important occasions.

On this day in History 1st Nov 1875

Post Office, Town Hall Square and Fleece Street, Rochdale opened.

Big Microbe Knit Saturday 31 Oct 11am - 4pm

Just to remind you all that today is the Big Microbe Knit in conjunction with the Manchester Science Festival.

On this day in History 31st Oct 1920

Miss Gracie Fields’ residence at Highgate, Rochdale burgled : £1,000 worth of furs stolen.

At the Edge

At The Edge: British Art 1950 - 2000 in collaboration with a number of North West Art Galleries has been featured by Manchester Evening News. Why not pop down Touchstones and see this fabulous exhibition yourself?

On this day in History 30th Oct 1884

Rochdale Free Library, The Esplanade, opened ; structure cost £5,000

On this day in History 29th Oct 1887

Monster Jubilee Pie provided at Littleborough for old folks in the district. It contained:- beef, 235 lb; mutton, 20lb; tongue, 16 lb; a quantity of veal; 4 rabbits; 12 ox-tails; 3 large geese; a couple of ducks; 9 chickens; half-a-dozen cows’ hearts; and other ingredients. Served up with the pie were 1½ loads of potatoes; 3 cwt. Of carrots and turnips; and 40 cabbages.

On this day in History 28th Oct 1882

Ohmy’s Circus, Newgate, Rochdale, now Circus of Varieties, opened.

On this day in History 27th Oct 1869

On this day in History 26th Oct 1869

“Weavers’ Arms,” Cheetham Street, Rochdale, which had existed for 70 years, deprived of its license on appeal.

On this day in History 25th Oct 1859

“Royal Charter” foundered off Anglesey ; Mr. W. Watson, of this town of Rochdale, who was returning from a successful sojourn in the Australian goldfields, was amongst the 459 souls lost.

Big Microbe Knit

Saturday 31 Oct 11am - 4pm

Join us for a day of creativity as we 'knit' micro-organisms such as Swine Flu, Salmonella and the common cold! Find out more about the microbes we encounter in our everyday lives and some of the more uncommon ones. Learn how to knit and add to our growing colonies! this is a drop-in event for all abilities - bring your own knitting kit, but some cupplies will be available on the day. This event is part of the Manchester Science Festival.

On this day in History 24th Oct 1889

Betting raid on the Byron Club, Cloth Hall, Rochdale ; 17 persons arrested, of whom nine were on November 7th convicted and heavily fined.

On this day in History 23rd Oct 1863

The Twelve Original Christy’s Minstrels appeared in the Public Hall, Rochdale.

On this day in History 22nd Oct 1872

Railway accident at Milkstone, Rochdale caused by a bullock jumping from a passing cattle train. The animal fell in front of an express train, the engine of which with four carriages left the line.

On this day in History 21st Oct 1874

A Lunar Rainbow was visible in Rochdale ; “the colours were quite distinct and the arch perfect.”

On this day in History 20th Oct 1894

Burgess roll for Rochdale contained 15,066 names, of which over 3,000 were women.

On this day in History 19th Oct 1873

Littleborough U.M.F.C. Sunday Schools opened ; buildings cost £2,000.

On this day in History 18th Oct 1903

Smallpox outbreak announced in Rochdale.

On this day in History 17th Oct 1904

Acrobat killed at the Rochdale Circus – Frank Leonard, one of the “Woodbee Wonders.” The accident occurred at the second performance on this date. Leonard died the day after.

On this day in History 16th Oct 1907

Deaf and Dumb Institute opened in Church Lane, Rochdale.

On this day in History 15th Oct 1862

Town’s Meeting adopted a resolution urging the provision of baths on the Wood Estate and a Park on Broadfield, Rochdale.

On this day in History 14th Oct 1873

John Bright appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Twitterfeed

Trying to set-up a rss feed to our Twitter site - fingers crossed!

On this day in History 13th Oct 1875

“Bluepits” Railway Station re-named “Castleton.”

On this day in History 12th Oct 1910

Man summoned for assaulting the referee at the conclusion of the Rochdale Hornets’ match against Wigan on the Athletic Grounds.

On this day in History 11th Oct 1921

Terrific thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall. Parts of the town of Rochdale were flooded.

On this day in History 10th Oct 1868

Molesworth Street New Connexion Chapel, Rochdale opened, Rev. T. Masterman, Resident Minister. The building cost £4,000.

On this day in History 9th Oct 1872

Public Meeting to promote a Museum and Art Gallery held in Rochdale.

On this day in History 8th Oct 1909

The Wesleyan Church, Bagslate, commenced centenary celebrations.

On this day in History 7th Oct 1857

A Day of Fast and Humiliation on account of the Indian Mutiny ; special services were held in the churches and business was suspended in Rochdale.

On this day in History 6th Oct 1863

Earthquake Shock felt in the town of Rochdale.

On this day in History 5th Oct 1871

First meeting of the Rochdale Town Council in the new Chamber.

On this day in History 4th Oct 1858

Chapel for the Destitute, Rochdale opened by John Ashworth, Author of Strange Tales.

On this day in History 3rd Oct 1930

A framed memento of Mr. And Mrs. Frederick Lye’s generosity in giving Nab Farm, Syke, as a new home of the Rochdale Poor Children’s Moorland Home organisation.

On this day in History 2nd Oct 1885

Fireman James Cragg was presented with an engraved purse containing £50, by readers of The Referee, and a purse containing £76 0s. 8d. and other testimonials, for bravery displayed at a fire at Baker’s Hosiery Shop, Rochdale on August 19th.

On this day in History 1st Oct 1869

Halfpenny Postage and Postcards introduced. £100 worth of cards issued during the week from the Rochdale Post Office.

On this day in History 30th Sept 1894

£400 worth of articles stolen from Mr. H. Samuels', Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, by persons unknown.

On this day in History 29th Sept 1923

Naked man found on Binns Pasture, Two Gates, Rochdale by Harry Percival, Smithy Bridge. Died in Birch Hill, October 4th

On this day in History 28th Sept 1867

Pioneers' Central Stores, Toad Lane, Rochdale, opened by Alderman john Robinson; cost £13,400.

On this day in History 27th Sept 1871

Rochdale Town Hall opened by Mr. G. L. Ashworth, Mayor. A long precession of civic officers, trade societies, Sunday school scholars etc., accompanied by bands of music, paraded the town. At a banquet in the evening Bishop Fraiser and the following M.P's were present: Messrs. Hibbert, Egerton, Potter, Jacob Bright, T. Whitworth, and J. Platt

On this day in History 26th Sept 1864

Earthquake shock distinctly felt in Rochdale

On this day in History 25th Sept 1907

Mr. R.A.L Hutchinson fined for striking a tram conductor with a whip in Rochdale.

On this day in History 24th Sept 1866

2,000 Rochdale townsmen, headed by a band of music, took part in the Reform Gathering at Campfield, Manchester, when 80,000 persons were present. John Bright and Mr.Potter spoke.

On this day in History 23rd Sept 1911

Prisoner escapes from Rochdale police cells. Captured at Bolton two days later.

On this day in History 22nd Sept 1908

About this time Rochdale Town council had several discussions re lead poisoning scare. Tests revealed lead in town's water.

On this day in History 21st Sept 1907

Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club's closing day. Exciting scenes. Boat, containing five men, sank; all rescued. Mr. G.F. Walker's skiff sank and he was rescued.

On this day in History 20th Sept 1876

Discovery of a "Charm" against Evil Spirits, in a box concealed in the rafters of a shippon at Healey, Rochdale.

On this day in History 19th Sept 1880

Samuel Oldman attempted to drown his son in the River Roach at Brimrod, Rochdale; sentenced to penal servitude for life,

On this day in History 17th Sept 1917

Mr. Albert Chevalier, famous comedian, appeared at the Theatre Royal, Rochdale.

On this day in History 16th Sept 1905

Co-Operative Wholesale Society decide to purchase the Rochdale Corn Mill.

On this day in History 15th Sept 1923

West Street Baptist celebrate 150th anniversary. The present church was first opened in 1833. Previously the chapel had been at Town Meadows (1775 to 1833). Prior to that services were held in a room attached to the Bull Inn, Yorkshire street (1773-75).

On this day in History 14th Sept 1927

Rochdale Chamber of Trade organised a Health, Homes and Fashion Exhibition in the Drill Hall, Baron Street

On this day in History 13th Sept 1856

Daily Railway Service to Manchester, 13 trains; to Leeds, 10; to Liverpool, 8.

On this day in History 12th Sept 1914

Rochdale Territorials embark for overseas

On this day in History 11th Sept 1910

Mr. John Taylor, secretary of Falinge Cycling Club, rode a cycle from Rochdale to Blackpool in 2 hours 47 minutes, 56 seconds, thus creating a record.

On this day in History 10th Sept 1887

First Infirmary Gala, Foxholes, Rochdale held. 16,000 spectators present

On this day in History 18th Sept 1886

Gas first lighted from Cutgate to Norden. To mark the event a dinner was held when the Duc de Ferrari, of Italy, was present.

On this day in History 9th Sept 1890

First exhibition of the Rochdale School of Art held; 400 exhibits

On this day in History 8th Sept 1925

The Champness Memorial Hall, Rochdale was opened by a series of successful services and meetings.

On this day in History 7th Sept 1927

Mr. Bertram Whitehead, chairman of the directors was killed and Mr. James Greenhalgh, director, severely injured whilst inspecting the premises of The Rochdale and District Clubs Brewery Co. Ltd. owing to the collapse of the platform on which they were standing

On this day in History 6th Sept 1865

William Street U.M.F.C Rochdale opened, Dr. Joseph Parker preaching the sermon.

On this day in History 5th Sept 1861

Embankment of Lea mill dam, Watergrove, gave way owing to heavy rains; damages £1,000

On this day in History 4th Sept 1909

Bishop of Salford laid foundation-stone of St.John's Roman Catholic School, Ann Street, Rochdale

On this day in History 3rd Sept 1889

School of Art, Town Hall, inaugurated in Rochdale

On this day in History 2nd Sept 1896

First match of the new Rochdale A.F.C with Liverpool Reserve away in the Lancashire Combination. The club was formed by the Rochdale Athletic Club and the matches were played on the Athletic Grounds until the end of the season 1899 - 1900. The few matches in season 1900 - 1901 were played at Spotland.

On this day in History 1st Sept 1880

On the prison van arriving at Strangeways with several prisoners the committal warrants could not be found. The van was driven back to Rochdale and there being no authority for the prisoners' detention they were released.