On this day in History 31st December 1989

There were 134 licenced victuallers, 153 beershop-keepers, 71 holders of grocers' licences, 22 wholesale spirit dealers, and 9 holders of confectioners' licences to sell wine, in the town.

On this day in History 30th December 1900

Lieutenant Heap returns home on sick leave from South Africa

On this day in History 29th December 1859

The local Rifle Volenteer Corps, which had been recently formed, held their first drill.

On this day in History 28th December 1884

Empty property in the borough comprised 943 dwelling-houses, 17 mills, 14 workshops and 49 shops.

On this day in History 27th December 1925

Rev. F. W. Norburn drove motor cycle and sidecar into the canal at Littleborough during a fog.

On this day in History 26th December 1868

At St. Mary's Church, Wardleworth, the Christmas Decorations were torn down by some person unknown. The candlesticks on the alter were carried away, and several vestiments destroyed.

On this day in History 25th December 1868

Wesley Sunday School, Peel Street, opened. It was unroofed two days later whilst Mr. John Ashworth was preaching, 38 persons being injured. A fund in aid of the sufferers realised £297 18s 1/2d.

On this day in History 24th December 1896

Rochdale Market first lighted by electricity.

On this day in History 23rd December 1861

Prince Consort's funeral observed; large procession formed in The Butts and procended to the Parish Church, where a special service was held.

On this day in History 22nd December 1848

Mr. John Entwistle, Foxholes, was High Sherriff of Lancashire.

On this day in History 21st December 1844

-Pioneer's Society first commenced buisiness in an old warehouse in Toad Lane; stock in trade: Butter 1 qr. 22lbs. Sugar, 2 qrs.; flour, three sacks at 37s. 6d., and three at 36s. ; candles, 2 doz. ; meal, one sack ; total cost, £16 11s. 11d.

On this day in History 20th December 1867

Remarkable Demonstration, display of feeling towards a young butcher named Whittaker for selling beef at cheap prices. A procession, in which several thousand persons joined, accompainied by two bands of music, marched round the town; an address presented to whittaker.

On this day in History 19th December 1956

Mr. (afterwards the Rt. Hon. Jacob Bright) elected first mayor.

On this day in History 18th December 1879

Dane Street Bridge opened; cost, including purchase of buildings for widening purposes, £10,578.

On this day in History 17th December 1800

Postboy carrying the mail from Rochdale to Manchester on horseback was robbed; £200 reward offered for capture of the thief.

On this day in History 16th December 1912

Pavilion Picture Palace opened. It was the first hall in Rochdale built expressly as a picture hall.

On this day in History 15th December 1927

Mrs Pankhurst addressed Conservative meeting, Territorial Drill Hall.

On this day in History 14th December 1880

- "Ye Three Cups" Coffee House, Sudden, opened.

On this day in History 13th December 1862

18,000 persons were relived by the the Soup Kitchen during the week ended this day.

On this day in History 12th December 1842

John Bright, Cobden, and J. W. Fox addressed an Anti-Corn Law meeting in the old Theatre; £1695 5s. 5d. subscribed towards League Funds.

On this day in History 11th December 1874

A horse jumped from the bridge at Sunny Bank into the river. The river was considerably swollen at the time, and the horse was carried over the weir a distance of quater of a mile before recovering itself. The animal sustained no injury.

On this day in History 10th December 1925

Opening of the John Bright Memorial Room at the Art Gallery by Mr. G.M. Trevelyan, Mr. Philip Bright presiding.