Please Sir I Want Some More !

Christmas At The Workhouse 1842

On Christmas day upwards of 130 paupers in Spotland Workhouse were treated to an excellent dinner of roast beef and plum pudding.
They also had half a load of malt brewed into ale.
In the morning most of them attended divine service at Spotland Church.

Quarry Tragedy

Today the Observer reported that two men fell down a quarry on Rooley Moor and both were killed.
This was in 1899.

Time To Play !

The billiard and recreation room was opened at the Fire Station today in 1893.

Let There Be Light !

Today in 1896 the market was first lighted by electricity.

New Window for Church

On December 20th 1915 the memorial window dedicated to Lieutenant O' Neill was seen for the first time at St. Martin's Church Castleton.

Welcome Back !

The Halle Orchestra today in 1918 gave a concert in the Town Hall after a gap of nearly forty years.

Suffragette speaks !

On this day in 1927 Mrs Pankhurst addressed the Conservative meeting in the Territorial Drill Hall.

Newhey Saint Thomas'

Today in 1926 Newhey Parish Church celebrated it's jubilee.
The Church consecrated in December 1876 was built by William and James Heap.

Silver Trowel !

The corner stone of Milton Church was laid today in 1852.
Andrew Stewart laid the stone and was presented with a silver trowel.

Milton Congregational Church, a secession from Providence Chapel opened March 23rd 1854.

Rochdale Market

Rochdale New Market Act was set up today in 1822 which allowed the compulsory purchase of land.

Family Tragedy

According to a Manchester paper for 1821 there was a terrible storm which affected Crinble Mill.
Today Crimble Mill, the property of Mr. Kenyon was blown down.
A spinner, his wife and two infant children were killed by the ruins as they fell on the cottage adjoining.

Hallelujah !

By a select band of vocal and instrumental performers under the direction of Mr. Burchall will be performed at Littleborough Chapel on Tuesday the 13th of December 1794 the sacred oratorio of The Messiah.
Tickets to be had at The Golden Falcon, The Red Lion, Littleborough, The Roebuck, Flying Horse, Golden Fleece, Rochdale and off Mr. J. Howarth junior, Todmorden.

Stew but not as we know it !

On Monday in the workhouse a dish called ' lobby ' was usually served.
This was a stew of mutton and potatoes and was described in Marland Workhouse as
' frequently sour '.

Why That Name ?

The governing body of a parish was known as a vestry. It's name is derived from the room in a church where the priest puts on his vestments.

Workhouse Fare

In 1870 a report in The Lancet gave details of food given to children in the workhouse.
Saturday's dinner consisted of suet pudding and currants and it was described as ' hard as rock '.

Yes but who won?

Manchester Courier on this day in 1841 gives notice of there having been a wrestling match between Rochdale Magistrates and the Police at Slattocks.

Hunt Protester ?

On this day in 1841 a Manchester paper had this news :

Mr. Entwisle's horse was stabbed whilst out hunting.

Farmer arrested and committed to Quarter Sessions without bail.

Mr. Justice Patterson ordered the defendant to be released on bail, the defendant having raised a bona fide question of right.

Corn Law Meeting

According to the Manchester Courier on the 4th of December 1840 : A Dinner was held in Tweedale's Hotel and an address was given by Crawford. 370 persons dined in the large room.

This was amongst the many corn law meetings held around this time.

Pistols at dawn !

Manchester Courier 3rd December 1838 :

Gun Club at Buersill. Whenever the amount contributed is sufficient to buy a gun, lots are drawn as to who shall have it, and so on in succession till each subscriber has obtained one.

A foot of rain !

Rainfall Report

The rainfall for October in Manchester this year was 12.4 inches.

Taken from a Manchester paper 2nd December 1836.

What price water ?

Advert from an early Manchester newspaper, 1st December 1835.

Sale of Bent Meadows

On the westerly side of the off road leading from Rochdale to Whitworth.

Powerful and never failing supply of excellent soft water.