The Steam Age

The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company's coal sidings in Milnrow Road opened today in 1884.

Out With The Old !

Demolition began today in 1884 of a large number of buildings in Church Lane, The Gank and King Street as part of an improvement plan.

Free Skating For All !

At this time in 1924 Hollingworth Lake was frozen over for many days.

How times are a changing !

High Office

Mr. Samuel Turner J.P.was today in 1930 appointed High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Lancashire.

To Be Or Not to Be !

Today in 1864 the Rochdale Shakespearian Society was formed.

Walk This Way !

John Street new bridge opened today in 1864 to foot passengers only.

Walking Through Our Town

Today in 1903 Anton Hanslian with his wife and pushing a perambulator, on a world tour, passed through Rochdale.

Anton Hanslian was a famous walker who travelled all over the world.

Pit Closure

On the 24th of March 1886 Dearnley Pit closed. 100 hands were thrown out of employment.

Trip continues.........

The Freedom Of The City Of Glasgow was conferred upon John Bright today in 1883.

Trip to Scotland

Today in 1883 John Bright was installed as Lord Rector of Glasgow University.

Votes For Women !

On the 21st of March 1907 three Rochdale suffragettes were sent to prison for demonstrating in London.

Celebration at the Good Shepherd

Today in 1913 a new chancel and vestry were consecrated by the Bishop of Manchester at the Good Shepherd Church.

End Of That Era

It was on this day in 1894 that Fieldhouse School, erected in 1839 was pulled down.

The Job Needs Finishing !

Today in 1882 there was a Government enquiry into the Town's application to borrow £100,000 to complete Spring Mill Reservoir.

Quake Today

An eathquake today in 1843 was felt in the town.

Books For All

Today in 1885 the Lending Department of the Free Library on the Esplanade opened.

Hangman Retires

John Ellis of Lowerplace retired from the post of Public Executioner which he had held for 23 years.
This was on the 15th of March 1924.

Similar Weather

According to the Manchester Courier for this time in 1848 the weather had been, just like now very pleasant and for the time of year quite warm !
The article continued to hope for a favourable Easter in terms of weather and a good summer.

A Very Important Man

Today in 1887 was the funeral of Thomas Watson. Four years before he had gifted a much needed infirmary to the town.
His gift was his memorial to his eldest daughter who had died in 1882.

A Very Long Petition !

It was in March 1840 that a petition against the Corn Laws was presented to Parliament.
It had 9,700 signatures and was 170 feet long.

The Trams Are Coming

A town meeting was held today in 1900 as to acquiring tramways. The meeting supported this Parliamentary Bill.

By November the Rochdale Tramways Committee was set up and it had it's first meeting on the 23rd of that month.

Progress

On March 7th 1912 an electric tramway route opened from Milnrow to Newhey.

Celebrity Concert

Dame Clara Butt sang today in 1921 at the Town Hall.

The One That Got Away !

Today in 1914 1,000 trout were put into Spring Mill Reservoir by the local Angling Society.

Were they marching ?

J.P. Sousa and his band were in Rochdale today.
March 4th 1905.

Bricks For Sale !

On this day in 1899 the Newhey Brick and Terra Cotta Works opened.

Help For The Unemployed

On March 1st 1904 a Labour Bureau was opened at 25 Baillie Street for the unemployed.