End of an era !

Moss School closed today in 1891, it had existed for 122 years.

Today in 1877

Healey Wesleyan Chapel opened today, 20th of September 1877.

War Memorial

Dr. Temple as Bishop of Manchester dedicated the War Memorial at St. Peter's Newbold.

This was on the 19th of September 1928.

Grand Opening

Mr. W. T. Kelly M. P. opened the new Labour Exchange in Station Road.

This was reported in the Rochdale Observer on the 18th of September 1928.

Was it Dick Turpin ?

A Manchester paper reported that:

On the 17th of September 1835 Mr. A. H. Royds and Mr. W. E. Royds were robbed by
3 Highwaymen at Slattocks.

Did you know ?

The tower and spire of the Town Hall measure 191 ft. 6ins.
It is 396 ft. above sea level.
The bells were cast by Taylor and Co., Loughborough and cost £676. Together they weigh
about 7 tons.
The extreme length of the Town Hall is 101 yards and the greatest width is 41 yards and
it covers an area of 3,000 square yards.

Accident

The Rochdale Observer for the 15th of September 1899 had this report :

On September the 11th the Blackpool train was in a collision at Manchester
Victoria, amongst the injured were some Rochdale people.

New Attraction !

During September 1875 the new skating rink was opened at Sladen's, Hollingworth Lake.

Growing their own !

On the 13th of September 1850 ' Rochdale Freeholders Benefit Society ' was formed.
Twenty four acres of land on the Freehold were purchased for £10,000 and divided into 500 allotments.

Visitor

During September 1847 Thomas Carlyle visited John Bright at his house One Ash.

This is from New Annals of Rochdale by T.T. Heywood.

Clean Water !

According to New Annals of Rochdale, September 1840.

Spodden Brook was fished at this time

East Lancashire Nomenclature by H.C. March

The first appearance of Rochdale in writing is in the Doomsday Book, where it is spelt
Racedham.In 1170 it is written Rachdam. Soon after 1200 the township of Rochdale
is called Villa Castella Rachedham. Hence we may confidently conclude that the pronunciation was Ratchdam.
In 1291 it is written Rakedale.This was due to Scandanavian influence. Dale is a Norse term for a wide valley and is quite distict from the Saxon dell.

Some odd facts from ' New Annals of Rochdale'

From 1841 to 1874 James Lee known as 'Downham' was Huntsman.
He is buried in Smallbridge Churchyard and on his death bed he asked for the hounds to
be brought up so he could say good bye to them.


The Baum takes its name from the local legend that a 'baum rappit' apparition
haunted the neighbourhood.


St. Chad's church steps are 122 in number.


Hollingworth Lake covers 120 acres.


Rochdale Canal cost nearly £500,000 to construct.


Mayor's chain and badge of office cost £250.


The Town Hall clock long hand is about 7 feet and the short hand about 5 feet in length.


John Bright and Brothers, Fieldhouse Mills were the first to use electric light in Rochdale.

Unlikely winner !

On the 8th of September 1893 a swimming match was held between Sir James Duckworth J.P.,
Mayor of Rochdale and Councillor James Diggle.
Councillor Diggle, who only had one arm, was the winner.

Heavy Rains !

The Rochdale Observer for the 7th of September 1861 states :

The enbankment of Lea mill dam, Watergrove gave way owing to heavy rains, the damages are
£1,000.

Very early education

'New Annals of Rochdale', states that in September 1847 the Grammar School on Sparrow Hill
began to be built.

Art for all

The Rochdale Observer for 1889 reported that the School of Art in the Town Hall was
inaugurated on the 2nd of September.

The Sewage Works

Sewage scheme, Roach Mills, extended. The total cost so far as of 1st of September 1896 is £72,000.

Taken from New Annals of Rochdale by T.T. Heywood.