The Observer for the 31st of August 1886 had this report :
The drinking fountain and pillar lamp opposite the Wellington Hotel, which was presented
to the town by the Rochdale Pioneers in 1855, was demolished by a runaway horse.
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Monday 29 August 2011
Facts from New Annals of Rochdale
1642 : Garrison of 1,200 men placed in the town and 800 more on Blackstone Edge during the Civil War.
1643 : Three hedgehogs for the church supplied at a cost of 1 shilling also a pound of candles
at a cost of 4 pennies.
1678 : Collections made in the churches in thr parish towards rebuilding Saint Pauls Cathedral.
1691 : The Flying Horse, Packer Street opened this year.
1721 : Letters despatched to and from Manchester and Rochdale three times weekly and vice versa.
1724 : Daniel Defoe went over Blackstone Edge in a snowstorm.
1643 : Three hedgehogs for the church supplied at a cost of 1 shilling also a pound of candles
at a cost of 4 pennies.
1678 : Collections made in the churches in thr parish towards rebuilding Saint Pauls Cathedral.
1691 : The Flying Horse, Packer Street opened this year.
1721 : Letters despatched to and from Manchester and Rochdale three times weekly and vice versa.
1724 : Daniel Defoe went over Blackstone Edge in a snowstorm.
Sunday 28 August 2011
Queen Victoria
A Manchester Newspaper reported this today in 1839 :
People objected to the Queen travelling by rail, declaring that she had no right to put in peril
a life so valuable to the nation.
People objected to the Queen travelling by rail, declaring that she had no right to put in peril
a life so valuable to the nation.
Saturday 27 August 2011
Omnibus Time Tables
This information is from the ' Local Matters ' section of The Rochdale Clothing Company
Journal, August 1879.
Rochdale to Bacup from the Spread Eagle Hotel : 10.30 am, 1.30, 5.0, 7.30 pm.
Bury from the Roebuck Hotel : 9.15 am, 11.00, 12.15, 2.30, 4.45, 6.30, 8.00 and 9.30.
Littleborough from the Reed Hotel : 9.00 am, 11.30, 1.00, 2.00, 2.30, 3.30, 4.30, 5.30,
6.00, 7.00, 8.00.
Norden from the White Hart, Spotland Road : 10.00, 11.15, 2.30, 5.30, 7.00, 9.00.
Journal, August 1879.
Rochdale to Bacup from the Spread Eagle Hotel : 10.30 am, 1.30, 5.0, 7.30 pm.
Bury from the Roebuck Hotel : 9.15 am, 11.00, 12.15, 2.30, 4.45, 6.30, 8.00 and 9.30.
Littleborough from the Reed Hotel : 9.00 am, 11.30, 1.00, 2.00, 2.30, 3.30, 4.30, 5.30,
6.00, 7.00, 8.00.
Norden from the White Hart, Spotland Road : 10.00, 11.15, 2.30, 5.30, 7.00, 9.00.
Friday 26 August 2011
A night out in 1866
This advert appeared in a Household Almanack for 1866.
LONDON MUSIC HALL
Drake Street, Rochdale
A grand concert each evening, commencing at 7 p.m.
Singing, Gymnastic exercises, Dancing &.
Fresh talent weekly.
LONDON MUSIC HALL
Drake Street, Rochdale
A grand concert each evening, commencing at 7 p.m.
Singing, Gymnastic exercises, Dancing &.
Fresh talent weekly.
Thursday 25 August 2011
Cricket Champions
Rochdale won the Central Lancashire League cricket championship on the 25th of August 1956 for the 19th time.
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Dancing Stage
The Rochdale Monthly Illustrated Journal for August 1868 had this advertisement:
Mr. James Sladen, proprietor of the Beach Hotel, Hollingworth Lake has one of the
most spacious ' Dancing Stages ' in the country.
There is a band in attendance daily ( wet or fine ).
Miss H. Ridings will preside at the Pianoforte inside the Hotel daily.
Teas, Dinners and other Refreshments.
N.B. J.S. will endeavour to preserve the strictest order and decorum on his premises
and requests that any irregularities may be reported to him.
Mr. James Sladen, proprietor of the Beach Hotel, Hollingworth Lake has one of the
most spacious ' Dancing Stages ' in the country.
There is a band in attendance daily ( wet or fine ).
Miss H. Ridings will preside at the Pianoforte inside the Hotel daily.
Teas, Dinners and other Refreshments.
N.B. J.S. will endeavour to preserve the strictest order and decorum on his premises
and requests that any irregularities may be reported to him.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
St. James' Church Calderbrook
Today in 1860 the foundation stone of St. James' Church Calderbrook was laid by J. G. Dearden, Esquire, Lord of the Manor.
Monday 22 August 2011
Nice Place To Meet
An Observer report from 1865 stated that on August the 21st a large group of colliers held a meeting at Hollingworth Lake.
They arrived from all the surrounding towns.
They arrived from all the surrounding towns.
Sunday 21 August 2011
More on the shipwreck
Bodies from the Rothesay Castle disaster were washed up over a wide area of Anglesey but the body of William Bottomley was found near Blackpool.
William Bottomley was a Cotton Spinner at Rakewood Mill and was 28 years old.
He is buried in ' The Friends Burial Ground ' at Rochdale.
As a result of this disaster, a lifeboat was established at Penmon on the S. E. tip of Anglesey in 1832 and a lighthouse built there in 1837.
William Bottomley was a Cotton Spinner at Rakewood Mill and was 28 years old.
He is buried in ' The Friends Burial Ground ' at Rochdale.
As a result of this disaster, a lifeboat was established at Penmon on the S. E. tip of Anglesey in 1832 and a lighthouse built there in 1837.
Saturday 20 August 2011
The Rothesay Castle
This report is from a Manchester paper dated 20th of August 1831 :
Wreck of the Rothesay Castle.
The steam packet plying between Liverpool and Bangor. This is the worst calamity since the first introduction of steam navigation.
There were three Rochdale passengers lost; George King brother to James King, manufacturer, William Bottomley and Benjamin Lees.
There were 93 lives lost in total and 23 passengers rescued.
Wreck of the Rothesay Castle.
The steam packet plying between Liverpool and Bangor. This is the worst calamity since the first introduction of steam navigation.
There were three Rochdale passengers lost; George King brother to James King, manufacturer, William Bottomley and Benjamin Lees.
There were 93 lives lost in total and 23 passengers rescued.
Friday 19 August 2011
The Eight Hours Question ?
Rochdale Observer August 19th 1892 :
Result today of a ballot of the Rochdale and District Power Loom Weavers' Association on the eight hours question, declared : 1,010 voted for, 850 against adopting the system.
Out of 600 spinners, 282 voted for, 93 against.
The Industrial Revolution in Britain meant the working day could range from 10 to 16 hours for six days a week.
There was a demand for a 10 hour day in 1810 and by 1817 Robert Owen coined the slogan :
Eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.
Result today of a ballot of the Rochdale and District Power Loom Weavers' Association on the eight hours question, declared : 1,010 voted for, 850 against adopting the system.
Out of 600 spinners, 282 voted for, 93 against.
The Industrial Revolution in Britain meant the working day could range from 10 to 16 hours for six days a week.
There was a demand for a 10 hour day in 1810 and by 1817 Robert Owen coined the slogan :
Eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.
Thursday 18 August 2011
Early History
Some interesting facts from New Annals of Rochdale :
1040 - Gamel the Thane held the Manor of Rochdale under Edward the Confessor.
1240 - Charter to hold a weekly market and an annual fair granted to Edmund de Lascy by Henry III.
1253 - Henry III granted to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem the right to try thieves, hold an assize of bread and ale and erect a gallows within their lands in Butterworth.
1290 - Deer were common in the district.
1340 - Subsidy levied on the Parish to enable the King to carry on the war with France.
1380 - Poll Tax of one shilling levied on persons over fifteen years of age living in the Parish.
1514 - Wheat was eleven shillings per quarter; ale twopence per gallon.
1547 - Woollen trade of the Parish described as being ' very considerable '.
1565 - Grammar School founded by Archbishop Parker.
1600 - Archery was a popular pastime in the town.
1608 - Cattle fair began to be held three times daily.
1623 ' Sweating sickness ' visited the Parish, 587 burials took place in the churchyard.
1638 - Sir John Byron purchased the Manor of Rochdale.
1040 - Gamel the Thane held the Manor of Rochdale under Edward the Confessor.
1240 - Charter to hold a weekly market and an annual fair granted to Edmund de Lascy by Henry III.
1253 - Henry III granted to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem the right to try thieves, hold an assize of bread and ale and erect a gallows within their lands in Butterworth.
1290 - Deer were common in the district.
1340 - Subsidy levied on the Parish to enable the King to carry on the war with France.
1380 - Poll Tax of one shilling levied on persons over fifteen years of age living in the Parish.
1514 - Wheat was eleven shillings per quarter; ale twopence per gallon.
1547 - Woollen trade of the Parish described as being ' very considerable '.
1565 - Grammar School founded by Archbishop Parker.
1600 - Archery was a popular pastime in the town.
1608 - Cattle fair began to be held three times daily.
1623 ' Sweating sickness ' visited the Parish, 587 burials took place in the churchyard.
1638 - Sir John Byron purchased the Manor of Rochdale.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Garden Benefactor!
Rochdale Observer for the 19th of August 1891 had this to say:
The first portion of the terraces on the slopes opposite the Free Library have been completed from designs and at the sole cost of Mr. James Ogden, Kilnerdeyne.
The first portion of the terraces on the slopes opposite the Free Library have been completed from designs and at the sole cost of Mr. James Ogden, Kilnerdeyne.
The Rushbearing
The Pilot and Rochdale Reporter for August 1847 had this article on Rushbearing:
This annual festival occuring at this time of our publication leads us to pen a short notice of the origin and present state of the ceremony.
Up to the 16th century the floors of dwellings were not commonly formed of wood, flags or brick but of a mixture of clay, lime or sand. This flooring was not very convenient so to increase the comfort it was universally the custom to cover the floor with rushes. Rushes were plentyful as generally the land was undrained and poorly cultivated. This practice was an inconvenient and filthy one and which could only be tolerated where the people were low in the scale of civilization, for every kind of filth was harboured by the rushes which lay all winter.
The practice was gradually discontinued but did not extend to the churches, clay floors were in use to a much later date. By degrees a number of persons joined in the labour of carrying or bearing the rushes into the church and when carrying them in, the company would adorn them with flowers eventually parading them through the town.
The introduction of pews cushioned and carpeted has done away with the necessity of rushes and around the same period carts were invented and as a novelty they were introduced to assist in the show.
This annual festival occuring at this time of our publication leads us to pen a short notice of the origin and present state of the ceremony.
Up to the 16th century the floors of dwellings were not commonly formed of wood, flags or brick but of a mixture of clay, lime or sand. This flooring was not very convenient so to increase the comfort it was universally the custom to cover the floor with rushes. Rushes were plentyful as generally the land was undrained and poorly cultivated. This practice was an inconvenient and filthy one and which could only be tolerated where the people were low in the scale of civilization, for every kind of filth was harboured by the rushes which lay all winter.
The practice was gradually discontinued but did not extend to the churches, clay floors were in use to a much later date. By degrees a number of persons joined in the labour of carrying or bearing the rushes into the church and when carrying them in, the company would adorn them with flowers eventually parading them through the town.
The introduction of pews cushioned and carpeted has done away with the necessity of rushes and around the same period carts were invented and as a novelty they were introduced to assist in the show.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Soiree !
Rochdale Observer report August 16th 1859
A soiree in honour of Mr. Richard Cobden was held in a monstre marquee in Milkstone Road.
Nearly 2,000 persons were present, amongst whom were several members of parliament and the leading politicians of the day.
On the following night a public meeting was held in the same place, at which, near 5,000 persons were present.
Another soiree at Sparrow Hill School was held on the same date but in 1863 to celebrate the restoration of the Parish Church of Saint Chad.
( This gave the church an organ chamber, a vestry and the font was placed by the south door. )
A soiree in honour of Mr. Richard Cobden was held in a monstre marquee in Milkstone Road.
Nearly 2,000 persons were present, amongst whom were several members of parliament and the leading politicians of the day.
On the following night a public meeting was held in the same place, at which, near 5,000 persons were present.
Another soiree at Sparrow Hill School was held on the same date but in 1863 to celebrate the restoration of the Parish Church of Saint Chad.
( This gave the church an organ chamber, a vestry and the font was placed by the south door. )
Monday 15 August 2011
Pews For Sale
An advert in a Manchester newspaper for the 15th of August 1850 stated:
Sale of materials at Saint Bartholomew's Church Whitworth.
93 pews in the Tuscan style to seat 50.
Sale on the 22nd of August.
Sale of materials at Saint Bartholomew's Church Whitworth.
93 pews in the Tuscan style to seat 50.
Sale on the 22nd of August.
Sunday 14 August 2011
Cutlasses !!!
Special Constables were sworn in, the old pensioners were called up and the police were supplied with cutlasses.
There was, however, no breach of the peace.
This report was in the Manchester Courier on the 14th of August 1842.
At this time 'plug riots' were common-to find out what these were go to the 'Discover ' part of the website and then 'Riots and Radicalism '.
There was, however, no breach of the peace.
This report was in the Manchester Courier on the 14th of August 1842.
At this time 'plug riots' were common-to find out what these were go to the 'Discover ' part of the website and then 'Riots and Radicalism '.
Saturday 13 August 2011
Chartists
On the 13th of August 1839 this was reported in a Manchester newspaper:
A large mob of Chartists, some thousands in number, came along the road from Heywood.
Accordingly the military drove them back to Heywood.
To find out more about Chartists go to the ' Discover ' part of the site and then 'Chartists '.
A large mob of Chartists, some thousands in number, came along the road from Heywood.
Accordingly the military drove them back to Heywood.
To find out more about Chartists go to the ' Discover ' part of the site and then 'Chartists '.
Friday 12 August 2011
Charter
A meeting of gentlemen at the Commissioners Rooms, 12th of August next, to take steps for a Charter of Incorporation for the town of Rochdale.
This information was in a Manchester paper dated August 12th 1855.
This information was in a Manchester paper dated August 12th 1855.
Thursday 11 August 2011
Relief Of The Poor
The Manchester Courier published this information :
In 1850 the cost of relief of the poor of Rochdale Union was£9,609 with the average amount for each pauper being £3.9.0.
Thomas Livsey said it was better to give temporary relief than compel a man to enter a workhouse, as he then lost self-respect and would probab;y become a confirmed pauper.
In 1850 the cost of relief of the poor of Rochdale Union was£9,609 with the average amount for each pauper being £3.9.0.
Thomas Livsey said it was better to give temporary relief than compel a man to enter a workhouse, as he then lost self-respect and would probab;y become a confirmed pauper.
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Blackpool Promenade !
Following on from yesterday here is a little more information on the Manchester and Leeds Railway and the Summit Tunnel :
The Tunnel had a workforce of between 800 and 1,25o men and boys aided by about 100 horses and 13 stationary engines used mainly for hauling excavated material out of the shafts.
Inside it every piece of rock was hewn using only hand tools by candlelight.
The railway track was laid directly onto chunks of the excavated rock but later more traditional wooden sleepers were used. The rocks weren't wasted as they were later used to construct part of Blackpool Promenade.
The first section of the Manchester and Leeds Railway from Manchester to Littleborough was formally opened on the 3rd of July 1839 with the Summit Tunnel completed and the whole line opened on the 1st of March 1841.
The engineer was George Stephenson.
The Tunnel had a workforce of between 800 and 1,25o men and boys aided by about 100 horses and 13 stationary engines used mainly for hauling excavated material out of the shafts.
Inside it every piece of rock was hewn using only hand tools by candlelight.
The railway track was laid directly onto chunks of the excavated rock but later more traditional wooden sleepers were used. The rocks weren't wasted as they were later used to construct part of Blackpool Promenade.
The first section of the Manchester and Leeds Railway from Manchester to Littleborough was formally opened on the 3rd of July 1839 with the Summit Tunnel completed and the whole line opened on the 1st of March 1841.
The engineer was George Stephenson.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Railway Men
A Manchester paper dated the 9th of August 1838 had this to say:
Disturbances in Rochdale by 30 Navigators who paraded the streets with bludgeons and knocked down one of the Watchmen, James Woolfenden, who has since been unable to follow his employment.
Fines of 40/- and costs were imposed.
These men were probably engaged in building the Summit Railway Tunnel with work on the air shafts in full swing by 1838.
Disturbances in Rochdale by 30 Navigators who paraded the streets with bludgeons and knocked down one of the Watchmen, James Woolfenden, who has since been unable to follow his employment.
Fines of 40/- and costs were imposed.
These men were probably engaged in building the Summit Railway Tunnel with work on the air shafts in full swing by 1838.
Monday 8 August 2011
Claims For Compensation
On Friday and Saturday last a jury sat to adjudicate upon the sums to be paid for the houses situate in the Old Market Place, that are intended to be pulled down by the Commissioners for the purpose of widening that part of the street.
Mr. Edmund Taylor asked £2,650. This case was arranged without coming before the jury by the Commissioners paying Mr. Taylor £2,375 for the buildings and the loss of his business.
Mr. Samuel Taylor's case was also settled without a jury by the Commissioners paying him £750.
In both cases the Commissioners are to pay all expenses.
This was reported on the 8th of August 1847 in a Manchester paper, the Rochdale Observer didn't begin publication until 1856.
Mr. Edmund Taylor asked £2,650. This case was arranged without coming before the jury by the Commissioners paying Mr. Taylor £2,375 for the buildings and the loss of his business.
Mr. Samuel Taylor's case was also settled without a jury by the Commissioners paying him £750.
In both cases the Commissioners are to pay all expenses.
This was reported on the 8th of August 1847 in a Manchester paper, the Rochdale Observer didn't begin publication until 1856.
Sunday 7 August 2011
Huge Gathering !
On the 7th of August 1846 a Manchester paper stated :
Chartist Gathering on Blackstone Edge. On Sunday Messrs. Fergus O'Connor, Ernest Jones ( described as a Chartist poet ) Dr. P. McDouall, present. 12,000 people present.
Go to the ' Discover ' part of the website, then ' Chartists ' to find out more.
Chartist Gathering on Blackstone Edge. On Sunday Messrs. Fergus O'Connor, Ernest Jones ( described as a Chartist poet ) Dr. P. McDouall, present. 12,000 people present.
Go to the ' Discover ' part of the website, then ' Chartists ' to find out more.
Saturday 6 August 2011
Watch where you're going !
Tom Livsey was summoned by the vicar for trespassing on the coach road leading from the Vicarage into Manchester Road.
He was fined 1/- and had to pay expenses.
The vicar at this time was John E. N. Molesworth ( 1839-1877 ).
This was reported in a Manchester paper on the 6th of August 1842.
He was fined 1/- and had to pay expenses.
The vicar at this time was John E. N. Molesworth ( 1839-1877 ).
This was reported in a Manchester paper on the 6th of August 1842.
Friday 5 August 2011
' Talkies '
An Observer report for the 5th of August 1930 had this to say :
Yesterday Rochdale Hippodrome opened as a cinema with 'Talkies '.
The first on the list of films is Betty Compson's musical revue, 'The Street Girl '.
Dress Circle 1/3 Stalls 1/- Front Stalls 6d
Box Office open daily from 10a.m.
Tel. 2163
Yesterday Rochdale Hippodrome opened as a cinema with 'Talkies '.
The first on the list of films is Betty Compson's musical revue, 'The Street Girl '.
Dress Circle 1/3 Stalls 1/- Front Stalls 6d
Box Office open daily from 10a.m.
Tel. 2163
Thursday 4 August 2011
Turnout of Iron Moulders
On Monday morning there was a a general turnout of all the moulders in Rochdale for an advance of wages from 28/- to 30/- per week. The men still remain out and the masters seem determined not to give the advance demanded.
( They remained on strike for two months ).
This is from a Manchester paper dated 4th of August 1834.
( They remained on strike for two months ).
This is from a Manchester paper dated 4th of August 1834.
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Church Wall Swept Away !
An Observer report for the 5th of August 1897 stated : Severe storms hit Rochdale at mid-day, part of the Parish Church wall was swept away and also a man was killed by lightning near Shawforth.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
The One That Got Away !
An eel weighing 7lb 1oz and 3ft. 7ins. long was caught in the canal.
This event happened on the 2nd of August and is mentioned in Annals of Rochdale by Robert D. Mattley.
This event happened on the 2nd of August and is mentioned in Annals of Rochdale by Robert D. Mattley.
Monday 1 August 2011
The Trouble With Magistrates.
This is from an early Manchester paper dated 1st 0f August 1835.
We understand that the Magistrates appointed are W. Mann, Henry Staley and Thomas Chadwick. We congratulate the people of Rochdale that the Royds' and men of that stamp will not now be so rampant as they have been.
We understand that the Magistrates appointed are W. Mann, Henry Staley and Thomas Chadwick. We congratulate the people of Rochdale that the Royds' and men of that stamp will not now be so rampant as they have been.
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