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The Manchester Express broke down in the Summit Tunnel today in 1899.
The tunnel completed in 1841 is 2869 yards in length and at the date of completion was the longest railway tunnel in the world.
It claimed 28 human lives and took two years four months to complete and cost £251,000.
Here at Touchstones we have a photograph collection which includes the Summit Tunnel and many are of the disastrous fire on December 20th 1984 which are in colour and show flames leaping from the ventilation shafts. Please call in to view these if you are able.

On this day in China 8

The art of curator.................................

Once you have transported the art between venues you need to go through the process of:

• unpacking

• condition checking

• preparing the art for hanging.........

Rochdale Town Centre

Following on from yesterday's post and also thinking about our town centre's regeneration, the oldest hiuse in Rochdale was demolished in 1908 for new development.
This was The Great House, Amen Corner, situated in what is now Newgate. The land ajoining was known as The Orchard, where the War Memorial is now.
The house dated back to 1565.
If you live locally please call in to Touchstones and see the many photographs we have in our collection on the town centre's development over the years.

On this day in China 7 - Shopping

Along with acting as Courier to the art, experiencing the culinary delights  we thought we would share with the delights of shopping and inparticular the cute brading/ logos you see when out and about.

Loved the panda brand - not the heads on the figures so much, but the logo is cool. 

Really like this logo

Long Gone !

Belfield Hall was last tenanted, August 18th 1891.
The family of Belfield appears in deeds as early as 1278 with Adam de Belfield, in 1523 holding ancestral estates.
This quotation appeared on a sundial at the hall :

' A.B. 1612. UT. HORA.PRETERITA. SIC. FUGIT. VITA. '
As the hour that is past, so doth life fly.

On this Day in China 6 Food Update

Stinky tofu is a delicacy - not as bad as it could have been, but will pass next time! 

Some of the other food this evening was really good though and they embrace our vegetarianism. The food in Hunan is known for being hot and spicy.

The equivalent of Walkers crisps are also available in China - how does cucumber  or lime flavoured take your fancy!

Raining Cats and Dogs !

Rochdale on this day in 1891 had a record rainfall of 2.124 inches.

On This Day in China 5

Here is today's update from our Art Gallery Officer:

The schedule is pretty hectic and moving the exhibition from Zhengzhou and Changsha is about 500 miles overland! There are two quite big lorries which are climate controlled with all the artworks in the crates.
It took a 13 hour journey to get to Changsha. Tomorrow the customs people come and then we can unload and start condition checking all over again. 

Here are some pictures of the journey to Changsha:

Help its 41degress!!!!!!!

Arrived at Changsha

On This Day in China 4: Food

Here is a picture of the take out lunch box which they have ordered each day for us at the museum.

Had noodles for breakfast as well today though. There are lots of veggie Chinese dishes, the difficulty is in getting across that you don't eat meat or fish, it's a difficult concept to grasp for them and if you went to a restaurant without someone who spoke Chinese, you really need to go somewhere with a picture menu. We did go to Pizza Hut two nights ago just for a change from Chinese food potentially three times a day. There is also Starbucks, Hagen Daaz, KFC, McDonalds (of course), but they all have some different variations on what they would serve in UK. 

Rained Off !

The Rushbearing Holiday this year has been marred by bad weather.
Rochdale Observer, August 15th 1929.

During the Rushbearing, Rochdale, the commercial and religious centre of one of the largest single parishes in the country, was flooded with visitors from rural villages such as Milnrow, Whitworth, Littleborough and Wardle; some of which later developed their own rushbearing festivals.
               Absracted from ' Rochdale Revisited ' by John Cole.

On This Day in China 3

The giant statue is in the main entrance/foyer of Henan Museum. People like to pose with it for photos.

Chinese people are mad for taking pictures and love their mobile phones and cameras. Two men both wanted to have their photo taken with me at the Shaolin Temple?!.........      and a small child ran after me in the street here near the shopping mall to take my photo!

Watched performance of ancient Chinese music in Henan Museum

On This Day in China 2

All going well. Massive thunderstorm last night! Then final day of condition checking. We have 7 paintings and 3 sculpture to do out of 80 artworks altogether. Well, until we have to do it all again in Changsha! 


It's quite tiring as condition checking is when you have to concentrate all the time, but otherwise it is just like work at home, we just happen to be working in a museum in China! We finished all the condition checking at 12noon today and then got taken here which was amazing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaolin_Temple

Tomorrow we go to the museum and wait for the customs people to check the crates (there are customs between different provinces here not just when you enter or leave the country). 

On This Day in China

Our Art Gallery Officer is currently in China acting as Courier for Greater Manchester Museum Groups exhibition: Towards Modernity: Three Centuries of British Art. We thought it would be interesting to blog about her oriental experiences.

Made it to Zhengzhou.

Went across to Henan Museum this evening to oversee the crates being moved into the gallery and met the art handling team who seem great. 

Then we got taken for dinner by three staff from the museum - one of the directors, the head of exhibitions and someone from the digital department - all women and we entertained them with our vegetarianism!

So tomorrow morning we start the take down and condition checking which we have three days to do before the customs checks on Tues and then the transit to Changsha on Weds. 

Because I went to see the crate move, I got to see the exhibition which looked very 'proper' and well done. So funny seeing our paintings in a museum in China!

Storm Force !

Manchester Guardian Report August 7th 1830 :
On the afternoon of Friday the 30th ultimo Rochdale was visited by a storm of thunder and rain the latter of  which accunulated to such degree that the sough, laid for the purpose of conveying water from the old church yard, that the sough blew up carrying with it a considerable portion of the wall on the left hand descending into Packer Street and a large mass of earth.
Some of the stones probably weighing 12 score pounds were forced a distance of a dozen or 14 yards by the impetuosity of the stream.
The cottages on the left hand of the steps were suddenly inundated and the garden in front covered with bricks and stones, no person injured.

Collections Online

Our Online Collections Database is back up and running on our website.

Location, Location, Location !

Sale today in 1836 of Roche Bank Estate.
This was the property of Charles Rhodes and consists of the Mansion House, another Mansion House in the process of being built and numerous springs.
These properties are set in over 14 acres.

School's Out !

Is anyone playing out ?
Please click on this link to see how we played :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/fun-and-games/childrens-games

Buckets and Spades at the ready !

Back on the holiday theme :
Early in 1942, the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Hardman, together with most of the Mayors of other towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire, attended a conference in Huddersfield.
The subject was Holidays at Home.

Please click on the link below to find out more :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/wartime/world-war-ii/holidays-at-home

Join The Parade

A cycle parade and procession was held today in 1921, organised by the Rochdale Branch of the British Legion.

Jolly Holidays

August is traditionally thought of as a holiday month, please click on the link below to learn about
' The Rushbearing ' held annually at this time of year.
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/fun-and-games/rushbearing-a-the-rushcart-tradition

Moving With The Times

Parcel post was introduced today in 1883.
This meant the Post Offce had to employ two extra clerks and three deliverers.

Agricultural Show

The Royal Lancashire Show has been held at Greenhill for the last three days.
From New Annals of Rochdale July 1900.

Stormy Weather

Thunderstorms have been quite prevalent lately due to the particularly hot weather.

Manchester Guardian July 30th 1838.

Nothing New

We all, especially in this hot weather, need to keep hydrated with lots of us having a water bottle continuously at hand.
Please click on the link below to learn a little on Rochdale's mineral water business :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/trade-industry-and-transport/food-industry-a-shopping/a-fizzy-business-by-john-cole

Remember the Sabbath.......

July 23rd 1827 - Sabbath Breaking
Several persons have been fined 5 shillings each and costs under the Rochdale Police Act for being drunk on the Sabbath day and in one case there was a double conviction in addition to the above, the man was fined 1 shilling for not attending any place of worship.

Hard Times

Manchester Guardian July 22nd 1831 :

Woollen Trade
Not more than one third of the woollen weavers employed.
Trade dull since the passing of the American tariff and hundreds of the unemployed are in a distressed condition.
Wages of those employed are too low to afford the comforts of life.

Keeping Sheep Cool !

During this week the weather has been very favourable and sheep shearing has become very general in the district of Rochdale.
About 40 years ago sheep were brought from the area now Mount Street and washed in the River Roche below the weir at Sunny Bank Mills.

Abstracted from the Manchester Guardian, July 21st 1838.

Row Row Row Your Boat !

Five new boats were today in 1952 christened on Hollingworth Lake by the Rowing Club.
The cost was £600.

Happy Retirement !

Four Rochdale railway horses have been saved from slaughter by subscriptions from animal lovers.
They were presented to their new owners today in 1951 by the Mayor on the Town Hall Square.

End of an era

Dr. F. W. Payne retired today after 22 years as head of the Rochdale Municipal High School for Boys.
This was in 1951.

Hop Skip and a Jump !

With the beautiful weather we are having at the moment and lots of us enjoying the outdoors, take a look at sport in Rochdale by clicking on this link below :

http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/fun-and-games/sports-the-games-people-play

Agricultural Show

Manchester Guardian article, July 16th 1842

Littleborough Cow and Sheep Fair
We understand that this ancient fair is about to be established again at Littleborough and will take place on the 22nd instant, when prizes are to be awarded for the best bulls, cows, calves, sheep and pigs.

Changing Times

A weekly offertory was begun today in 1854 at St. Chad's Church after considerable opposition.

Visit from a famous engineer

Manchester Guardian article, July 8th 1839 :
Public Opening of Railway to Littleborough from Manchester
George Stephenson was present at the ceremony.

New Mill

Today in 1898 the engine at Era Mill, Woodbine Street was christened.
When the mill was completed the number of spindles numbered 51,200.

Going Going Gone !

Two pews in the chancel of Chad's Church, belonging to the Hoyle family and let at £15 per annum were sold by public auction.
The price reached was £70 per pew.
July 5th 1872.

Vandalism, even then !

Today in 1869 the heraldic casque which surrounded the coat of arms on the parapet of Yorkshire Street Bridge was struck down by persons unknown.

Sad end to tradesmen's trip

A Merchants and Tradesmen's trip to Scotland ended in tragedy today in 1888.
On the way home an accident at Crosby Garrett resulted in several persons being injured.

Cricket Season

During this month in 1856 Rochdale and Wellfield Cricket Clubs amalgamated.
Their joint membership was 166.

Long Live The King

William IV was proclaimed King today in 1830, there was great rejoicing in the town.

Cruel Times

The last public cock fight was held today in 1828.
The venue was at Bagslate and the stake was 10 guineas a battle.

No Law And Order On Sunday

Manchester Courier 26th June 1839

The Town Commissioners in Rochdale met on Wednesday and agreed that the services of the Sunday Beadles should be discontinued.

Harsh Punishment

In June 1830 Ben Bull, a local character was transported for horse stealing.

Anyone For Tennis ?

Wimbledon Tennis Championships starts today.
Click on the link below to see a local tennis photograph from 1900 along with some interesting local tennis history :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/sport/tennis

Contravening The Factory Act

News Item in the Manchester Guardian with the headline : Factory Act.
Masters fined for employing boys and girls of varying ages from 11 to 15, all under the age of 18 years, for more than 12 hours and more than 69 hours in the week preceding. The firm was fined 20 shillings plus costs.
June 23rd 1835.

Quarantine on the Common

June 22nd 1847, from the Manchester Guardian.

Fever Wards have lately been erected on a large space of waste ground on Cronkeyshaw a short distance from the town of Rochdale.
This was probably Typhus as there was an English epidemic during 1847 and 1848.

Local History Book

Rochdale and the Vale of Whitworth by William Robertson was published today in 1897.

Please click on the link below to read an extract from this book :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/trade-industry-and-transport/transport-a-travel/packhorse-tracks-turnpikes-and-tall-houses

Historic Local Firm

The Centenary celebrations were held today in 1898 at the firm of Messrs. O. and W. Ormerod, Leather Curriers.

End Of A Newspaper

The Rochdale Spectator stopped publication this month in 1868.
It was edited by Oliver Ormerod who was noted for his radical politics and for being a champion of Lancashire Dialect. He wrote both prose and poetry.

Caterpillar Chaos !

On this day in 1881 an extraordinary plague of caterpillars began to infest the neighbourhood of King's Road.
For well over a week the gardens and fields in that area were blighted by millions of the insects.

Aiming For A Safe Canal

A huge procession took place today in 1898 to fund a lifeboat.
The net proceeds were £353 and the lifeboat was launched in the canal basin.

Very Important Group

It was noted today in 1873 that local members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers numbered 437.

Somewhere To Sleep Please !

Today in 1896 our town held a meeting to consider the need for a Municipal Lodging House.
The proposal was approved for the third time.

Silver Tribute

John Bright's 25th Anniversary as M.P. for Birmingham was celebrated today and for the following week in1883. Mr. Bright was presented with a portrait and a silver service which cost 600 guineas.

From an Observer article 13th of June 1883.

Shake My Hand !

In 1878 during June it was reported that four Masonic Lodges existed in the town of Rochdale with 158 members.

Liquid Refreshment

A drinking fountain was presented by Mr. Garner of Huddersfield to be used in Rochdale Cemetery.
June 9th 1870.

Sacrilege in Norden

The altar at St. Paul's Church, Norden was on this day in 1869 stripped of it's cross and ornaments during the night.

The Rochdale Police Force

The full strength of the Police Force in 1898 was 81 men.
From a report dated 6th of June 1898.

Generous Benefactor

Today in 1883 Mr. Thomas Watson, J.P. announced that he would be giving £100 per annum for ten years to found Scholarships in Board Schools.

To learn more about this local philanthropist please click on the link below :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/trade-industry-and-transport/rochdale-electric-co

Runaway Tram

Through the failure of a part of the driving gear, a tramcar proceeding up Drake Street, got beyond control and running backwards down the street came into violent collision with another car standing at the bottom.
Fortunately the occupants escaped injury, beyond a severe shaking. The cars were much damaged.
From the Rochdale Household Almanack, June 4th 1907.

Room For Expansion

Wardleworth Station Goods Warehouse opened today in 1886.

Black Gold Struck !

A seam of coal 4ft. in thickness was struck at Belfield Colliery today in 1874. It was at a distance of 130 yards below the surface.

Best In Show !

Hollingworth Lake Poultry and Dog Show was held for the first time today in 1873.

Royal Princess

Friday was the birthday of the Queens daughter, the Princess Christian who was born at Buckingham Palace on May 25th 1846.
The Princess is very charitable and one of the most practical of Royal people. She has earned a certificate for proficiency in nursing and can sew and knit, cook and do many other things in which such high placed persons are supposed not to take an interest.
When visiting the poor, always unattended, she only permits them to address her as ' Ma'am '.

From the 'Chit chat for Ladies' page, Rochdale Times, May 31st 1900.

Letting His Horse Sup And Having One Himself !

From the Rochdale Times, May 30th 1900 :
James Cowgill of Clay Lane, Head Farm, Milnrow was summoned for being too great a distance from his horse and cart.
P.C. Williams said the defendant was in a public house and he left his horse unattended. The defendant said he was letting his horse sup and he could not do that without having a drink himself.
He was fined 5 shillings and costs or seven days.

Rochdale Borough Boundary

Last week agreeably to appointment a gentleman from the Ordnance Survey came to Rochdale to determine the limits of the boundary, in order that stones or posts may be placed on all roads and footpaths leading from the town.
He commenced at Heybrook and proceeded in a westerly direction until he arrived at that place again.
This gentleman has also made a most beautiful map of the Borough, three quarters of an inch to the chain.
The fields on the outskirts are so accurately laid down from a scale of chords that their contents can be ascertained sufficiently near for valuation without re-measurement of the ground.

From the Manchester Guardian, May 29th 1845.

The Local Studies Library has a large collection of over 600 maps which include Ordnance Survey maps.

Please click on the link below to see our other resources :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-studies-resources

Funeral of a Statesman

The funeral of William Ewart Gladstone took place today in Westminster Abbey in 1898.
Rochdale held a simultaneous sevice in the Parish Church.
Gladstone was the oldest Prime Minister in office and retired when he was 84, he had been Prime Minister on four occasions.

Holiday !!!

This Bank Holiday was first observed in Rochdale on the 29th of May 1871.

A Different Breed !

There is living in the township of Butterworth a man named Joseph Taylor, aged seventy five years, who at the age of five years began to work in a coal pit.
At the age of ten he began working as a regular miner and has continued to work in a low mine in the pit up to the present time, a period of seventy years.
He is in the employ of Messrs. Butterworth & Co., Haugh Hey Colliery, Butterworth and although he is so far advanced in years he can manage to get eight loads of coal at 6d per load, in one day.

26th of May 1846, extracted from the Manchester Guardian.

Please click on the link below to learn more on mining in Rochdale.
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/trade-industry-and-transport/coal-mining

Who Won ?

Today in 1927 a charitable cricket match was held between Rochdale Council and Rochdale Magistrates.

Peace

Huge celebrations were seen in the town today to celebrate the Treaty of Paris which heralded the end of the Crimean War.
The town was illuminated at night and many social functions were held.
May 24th 1856.

Compensation Please

A large meeting was held today in 1850 in the Public Hall for the purpose of considering the propriety of petitioning Parliament to the effect that the Government should make good to the depositers the loss caused by the defalcations of the late actuary of the Savings' Bank. The position was adopted. Mr. Edward Taylor presided.

From Wrigley and Sons Almanack

The implications of the Savings' Bank crash were huge, to learn more please click on this link below :

http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/co-operation/the-rochdale-pioneers/rochdale-and-the-co-op-by-john-cole

In Steam !!!

The Ellenroad Spinning Company's engine started up today for the first time.
May 22nd 1892.

You can visit Ellenroad Engine House Steam Museum at Newhey.

Opening Times

---

The Engine House is open and steaming on the first Sunday of each month.

---

Steaming Days

First Sunday of the month (except January for boiler inspection)

• 11:00am - 4.00pm

---

Non Steaming Days - Limited Access to exhibits

These are volunteer working days, for the restoration and maintenance of exhibits. 

You are welcome to visit on non-steaming days when the Engine House is manned.

For non steaming days admission is free but donations are welcome.

• 11:00am - 3:00pm Tuesdays and Sundays
• 12:00am - 3:00pm Saturdays (day before steaming)

For more information visit their website http://www.ellenroad.org.uk

The Beginning.......

The Grammar School Old Boys Association was formed today in 1887.

Heywood Boundary

In Heywood's Notes and Queries for 19th May Green publishes an answer regarding the boundary of Heywood:


In reply to your note re Thomas Wrigley or the Wrigleys . The township of Heywood
VOL . I .-Part 5.66 does not cross the river about Heap Bridge district, but did so at one time when Wrigley's works, house, and the land extending nearly as far as the inn called the "Seven Stars" were all in the township of Heap . In William Bell's time Bury annexed that portion by Act of Parliament.

To read more fascinating anecdotes about Heywood please visit are Local History Books Online and Heywood Notes and Queries.

Mill Fire

A fire started today at Eagle Mill, Balderstone, the damage was estimated to be around £1,000.
May 17th 1898.

Time For A Change

Today in 1874 Hollingworth Workhouse closed. The inmates were removed to Marland.

A Step Forward

During May 1825 an iron footbridge was completed which led to The Walk. It was paid for and erected by Messrs. Vavasour.

To learn a little more on the early history of the town centre please click on the link below :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/trade-industry-and-transport/transport-a-travel/roads-and-streets-in-rochdale-wm-robertson-1913jpg

The Heywood Betting Case

In Heywood's Notes and Queries for 12th May 1905 we find reference to"THE, HEYWOOD BETTING CASE" Green comments that this was included in a series of touching stories, lectures, etc., published in a volume entitled "Life among the Masses," by the Rev . John Guttridge, 1884 . Gutteridge was resident in
Heywood from 1818 to 1851, and it was during his pastorate that the handsome chapel in Bethel-street was built . To read more please visit Local History Books Online on the Link4Life website. Here is a link to article itself - you will need to scroll done to the 12th May 1905.

Open To All

 By May 11th 1883 the Wellington Bridge was completed. Prior to this date it had only been a footbridge.

Starting To Improve

By early May 1868 the number of paved streets in Rochdale numbered 116.

Where To Buy A horse Now ?

On May 7th 1876 the Horse Fair was last held on Cheetham Street.

Keep In Touch !

On this day in 1953 a member of the Local Studies team at Touchstones was born.
She has just retired and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and the many people she has helped over the years.
We all wish her a very long and very happy retirement.

New Use For Old Boat

The Boat Inn, Belfield opened today in 1841.
The boat formerly carried passengers on the branch canal between Bluepits Railway Station and Heywood.

Harsh Sentence

Today in 1827, Ruth Brierley and Mary Schofield were transported fo seven years for stealing four geese at Bagslate.

Dancing Around The Maypole

Maypoles were once common all over England and were kept from one year to the next, usually made from tall trees or long branches.
The tallest ever maypole was erected in London on the Strand in 1661.
The ribbons would have been paraded through the streets to the maypole and then attached so the dancing could take place.

Please click on the link below for more information and to see a lovely photograph from the Local Studies Collection.
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/fun-and-games/traditional-celebrations/may-day-celebrations

Ahoy There !

Today in 1856 a Steamer and Pleasure Boat was put on Hollingworth Lake by Mr. James Sladen, the proprietor of the Beach Hotel.

M.P.

On the 28th April 1859 Mr. Richard Cobden was elected Member of Parliament for the Borough.

Come And See !!!

A Band of Gipsies from Epping Forest visited the district and took up their quarters in a field at Hyde Park, Milnrow Road.
They were visited by vast numbers of the population.

From The Rochdale Almanack, 27th April 1874.

A Few Firsts

The first Waterworks were constructed near Packer Street around 1770.

The first Sunday School in 1782 was established by James Hamilton in White Bear Passage, Blackwater Street.

The first Steam engine in 1787 was at Smallbridge and was used for lifting coal out of a pit.

The first Stage Coach in Rochdale which ran to Manchester was introduced in 1790.

 The first cotton mill in 1795 was at Hanging Road.

The first bank in Rochdale was opened in 1819.

In 1824 Gas was first introduced for lighting the town.

In 1827 the Rochdale Recorder was first published.

Come And Learn

The memorial stones were laid today in 1876 at the Primitive Methodist New Schools on Durham Street.

The Roar of the Crowd !!!

The 24th of April saw the Rochdale Amateurs give an impressive performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre, the proceeds of which were given to the Infirmary fund.
1874.

Fair Weather Please

An Open Air Concert was performed today on the Park Slopes.
April 23rd 1876.

Suspended in a box over the Roche !

Herr Dobler, the cleverest of travelling illusionists made his second visit to Rochdale after an absence of several years aided by Professor Wernolf, and gave one of his marvellous entertainments at the Public Hall.

From Taylor's Almanack April 1874.

In the nick of time !!!!!

The Observer reported today in 1907 that a 'dead' man came to life whilst being measured for his coffin !

Lock Up Your Lurcher !

An epidemic of dog stealing was reported in the local paper today in 1907.

Sober Up !

Today in 1914 a taxi-cab man was fined for being drunk in charge of his cab. This was the first case of it's kind in Rochdale.

Interesting ?

Did you know :
In 1731 an Act of Parliament was passed to prevent the stealing of flannel whilst in the fields to dry.

In 1734 the road over Blackstone Edge was turnpiked.

Charles Wesley visited the town in 1745.

In 1752 St. Chad's Vicarage was rebuilt by Dr. Dunster.

£40 a year was the stipend of the curate at St. Chads in 1765.

Healey Hall was rebuilt in 1774.

Tim Bobbin died in 1786 aged 76.

In 1788 the fare to Manchester by the York Royal Mail Stage Coach was 5s.

The canal from Sowerby Bridge to the town opened in 1798.

March This Way !

In 1860 on this day the Rochdale Rifle Volunteer Corps paraded for the first time.
Accompanied by the Yeomanry Cavalry Band the Corps marched to Littleborough.

Telegram From Queen Victoria ?

A centenarian, Foulkes Foulkes, died in Marland Workhouse. Formerly a lamplighter in London  he came here in 1829 to follow the same career.
16th April 1863.

Rochdale's Most Magnificent Building

On the 15th of April 1860 the Wood Estate was selected as the site for the new Town Hall.
The purchase was completed in September 1863 and it was recommended that Rochdale should spend £25,000 on its town hall.
The cost eventually rose to over £154,000 due to many alterations, one of which was the addition of an Exchange. It was thought Rochdale needed this to prevent trade emigrating to Halifax and other towns but in actual fact the Exchange was never used as such.
By 1871 the Town Hall was completed and opened on September 27th with enormous celebration.
There was a procession about two miles long which included seven bands with a banquet held in the afternoon in the Assembly Hall attended by six hundred guests.
The Town Hall was open to the public in October and over four thousand people visited during the first  three days!

New Printing Process

Steam printing was introduced to Rochdale around this time in 1858 by Messrs. E. Wrigley and Sons.
Their works were on Acker Street and they had offices on Yorkshire Street.
The following month it was announced that the 'Observer and Standard' would be printed in Rochdale by this new method.

Living off the Land

It was during April 1848 that Messrs. Bright having obtained a lease of a portion of Cronkeyshaw, let the same in allotments to their workpeople.

From New Annals of Rochdale by T.T. Heywood.

From Malta To Rochdale !

Today in 1951 the first girls from Malta arrived in Rochdale to work at Fothergill and Harvey's at Littleborough.

Guard Your Eyes

An eclipse of the sun today in 1921 was seen by the people of Rochdale, conditions were ideal !

Send In The Clowns !

Charles Adam's Circus arrived in Rochdale today in 1876, it was probably the best of it's kind to yet visit the town.

New Church For Spotland

Today in 1835 St. Clement's Church Spotland opened.

Huge Crowd !

A meeting on the Government Reform Bill was held in the new shed at Mitchell Hey, belonging to the Manufacturing Society.
The meeting was attended by upwards of 5,000 people.
John Bright Esq. M.P. and T.B. Potter Esq. M.P. addressed the meeting.
April 4th 1866.
Extracted from Wrigley and Sons' Household Almanack.

Going Up

A Census was taken today in 1871 showing that 29,712 males and 33,761 females were living in the Rochdale Parliamentary Borough.
Today Rochdale has a population of 211,700.

Robbers Retreats

Today in 1869 it was reported that forty one houses were known to the police as the resort of thieves.

Watch Out !!!

April Fool's Day is celebrated in many countries on this day, it is not a national holiday ( other than when it falls on a bank holiday ) but is a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other.
The earliest association between April 1st and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', written in 1392.
In 1539 Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1st. In 1686 John Aubrey referred to this day as 'Fooles Holy Day', the first British reference.
In 1698 people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to see 'The Annual Ceremony Of Washing The Lions'.
In recent times hoaxes have included :
The Swiss spaghetti harvest
O.F.O.'s landing in London
Flying penguins
Big Ben goes digital
                                  to name but a few!

Easter Sunday

Today is Easter Day, the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
This date was decided at the Synod of Whitby in 664 in a verbal battle between the Celtic and Roman representitives.
The Roman church calendar was adopted which caused a split within certain factions of the Celtic church.

Easter Tradition

If yesterday's post has you intrigued, please click on the link below to learn more about the Pace Egg Play :

http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/fun-and-games/the-pace-egg-in-rochdale/the-pace-egg-and-its-origin-rochdale-observer-1909

The Peace Egg or St. George, an Easter Play

' Here's one two three jolly lads all in one mind
We've come a pace egging and we hope you'll prove kind
An' we hope you'll prove kind with your eggs and strong beer
And we'll come no more nigh you until the next year.'

This cry would have been heard by many people at this time of year as the Easter pace-eggers paraded the streets of Rochdale.
The pace-egging play is a version of a traditional drama or 'mumming' play which is known throughout England in one form or another.

Troubled Times

Anti-Popery riots known as Murphy riots took place in Rochdale around this time in 1868.
The Public Hall and St. Johns R.C. church were attacked with much damage being done. 30 Hussars were billeted in the town in an effort to keep order.

John Bright

Today in 1889 John Bright, one of Rochdale's most famous sons, died, his dog ' Fly ' lay on his bed to the end.
He was the most important figure in the history of mid-Victorian radicalism and was probably the greatest of all Parliamentary orators.
By the time of his death he had become one of Britain's most famous politicians.

Time To Hang Up His Rope !!!

This day in 1924 was the day that John Ellis retired as Public Executioner, a post he had held for 23 years.

To learn more about John Ellis and his most unusual life please click on this link below :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/focused-on-people/claims-to-fame/john-ellis-the-rochdale-hangman

V.I.P.

On the 17th March 1927 Mr. Lloyd George paid his third visit to Rochdale when he addressed an audience of 4,000 in the Territorial Drill Hall.
He was the leader of the Liberal Party between 1926 and 1931 and as Prime Minister he led a wartime coalition government between 1916 and 1922.
In 2002 he was named among the '100 Greatest Britons' following a countrywide vote and is considered to be the founder of the British Welfare State.

Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth..........

Today in 1872 the first Police Court was held in Rochdale.
This sitting took place in the Town Hall with the mayor Mr. W.T. Shawcross presiding.

Did the earth move for you?

In 1869 and earthquake was felt throughout the town. Gas was extinguished and articles of furniture etc were shaken. This report is courtesy of the Annals of Rochdale.

First Attempts !

Dr. W.J. Hodgeon, M.D. was today in 1874 appointed vaccination surgeon.

76 Trombones............

Tatham's Fife and Drum Band held their first parade today in 1866.
Tatham's was a very important  Rochdale engineering company and at it's height employed 1,000 people.

Still Problems Today !

Messrs. Kelsall and Bartlemore presented those of their employees who suffered in the bank failure with 7s. 6d. in the £ on their deposits.
This was on the 12th March 1852.

Rural Craft

The first annual hedging competition was held today in 1929. It was promoted by the Rochdale and District Junior Farmers' Discussion Class.
It was held at Yew Tree Farm, Buersil.

Edward Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark

On the 10th March 1863 the Prince and Princess of Wales' marriage was observed.
Rochdale along with the rest of the country was granted a holiday.
There was a huge procession and a fountain played in the river, the town was illuminated at night.

Local Benefactor

Today in 1887 Mr. Thomas Watson, M.P. of Horse Carrs was interred.

To learn more about this very important man and his generous gift please click on this link below :
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/health/hospitals/rochdale-infirmary

In Praise of Women: International Women's Day

From entertainers Gracie Fields to indomitable women such as Ailse O Fussers and wisewomen like Nell Racker today we celebrate International Women's Day by highlighting the unique contribution of women on the history of the Borough. In our Local History Online pages of the Link4Life website we have included information on Women At Work, Women of the Borough. At London 2012 our Olympic medal winners were the following the sporting heritage of Sybil Fenton 'Queenie' Newall who was born at Hare Hill, Littleborough on 17th October 1854.She was the eldest daughter of the ten children of Henry Newall and his wife Maria Fenton. Her maternal grandfather, John Fenton was elected Liberal member of parliament for Rochdale in 1832 and was a friend of John Bright and Richard Cobden. Queenie Newall never married and moved to Cheltenham to live with her sister Margaret in 1905. In this year they joined the Cheltenham Archers Club and soon Queenie began to make a name for herself. In 1907 she won four of the five regional archery meetings thus qualifying for the 1908 Olympic Games, which took place in London.The archery contest was held in the White City Stadium on the 20th and 21st July with dreadful weather conditions on the first day. On the second day the weather improved and Queenie soon took the lead winning the gold medal by a clear 43 points. At the age of 53 years 275 days  Queenie was the oldest woman to have won an Olympic medal. This record still stands today. Queenie continued competing after the First World War, her last recorded score being with the Cheltenham Archers in September 1928. She died at her home in Cheltenham on the 24th June 1929.

Spread The Word !

A valuable gift of books was today given to the Free Library in 1884 by the British Museum Trustees.

Rochdale Blue Plaques

This week will see the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to commemorate Butterworth the Jewelleres.

Since 1903, the property has been occupied by Butterworth Jewellers, which is the longest established family-run business within the town centre. Here is a picture of the bottom of Drake Street taken in the 1930s.

How Big ?

A thousand trout were today put in Spring Mill Reservoir by the local Angling Society.
This was in 1914.

Today It Would Be Brian Cox !

On the evening of the 6th March 1911 the guest lecturer at the Rochdale Literary and Scientific Society meeting was Professor Rutherford.
Ernest Rutherford became known as the father of nuclear physics and won the nobel prize for chemistry in 1908.
He is widely credited with first 'splitting the atom' in 1917.
After his death in 1937 he was honoured by being interred with the greatest scientists of the United Kingdom, near Sir Isaac Newton's tomb in Westminster Abbey.
The title of this lecture in Rochdale was : 'Transformations of radio-active matter'.
For those living locally, this work can be read in the Local Studies Library at Touchstones Rochdale.

A Mystery

Today in 1907 some bones were found at Clegg Hall.

Still Thriving !

Derby Street Board School opened today in 1882 at a cost of £5,000.
The school has had a name change to Deeplish School along with two new bulidings over the years.

Stars and stripes in Rochdale

John Philip Sousa and his band came to Rochdale today in 1905. Sousa is most fmaous for his marches: Washington Post and Stars and Stripes forever.

On this day......

In 1899 the Newhey Brick and Terra Cotta works opened on Huddersfield Road.

Cheap train travel

On this day in 1865 the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company introduced cheap train service to Manchester a single third class fare was 8d, return 1s.

Return of the tram to Rochdale

Today sees the return of the Tram to Rochdale, terminating currently at the Rochdale Train Station stop on Maclure Street. A day earlier and one hundred and twenty eight years later when the tramway opened to Royton on the first of March, 1885. 
This was not the first tram. Steam trams came into operation in the area in the 1880’s. Rochdale’s trams ran on a narrow gauge of 3ft 6ins, rather than the standard 4 ft 8ins.  Rochdale’s first steam tram ran from the Wellington Hotel (now the Nile Night Club) to Buersil, then returned and made its way to Littleborough, on 7th March 1883. The trams were run by a private company – the ponderously named ‘Manchester, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Steam Tramway Company.’ By 1902 the Rochdale Corporation had begun to operate electric trams, their first route opening on 15th May, 1902. By 1905, after the Corporation had bought out the Tram Company, the whole system was electrified. The last section to be electrified was that to Littleborough – which had been the first section to have steam trams in 1883. 

Bring out your dead

The burial ground on Drake Street was closed today in 1855. The Rochdale Cemetery on Bury Road opened on 28 April 1855.

First Motor Car

The Annals of Rochdale mention that a 'Motor car first passed through the town' on this day in 1897! Wonder how many cars will pass through Rochdale today..........

Read All About It !

' Rochdale Past and Present ' was published today in 1875.
The author William Robertson wrote many books on Rochdale's history which can be read in the Local Studies Library.
If you do not live locally we have some e-books which may be of interest on our website.

A Fishy Story !

30,000 bream, perch and dace were placed in Hollingwotrh Lake today in 1863.

Blizzard Conditions !

It was during February 1724 that Daniel Defoe went over Blackstone Edge in a snowstorm.
He was a novelist with his most famous work being, ' Robinson Crusoe '.

Read All About It !

Lieut. Col Fishwick was today in 1897 elected Chairman of the School Board.
Henry Fishwick is famous in Rochdale for having written, ' The History of the Parish of Rochdale'.
This book can be read as an eBook on our website.

Plague

The Great Plague casualties peaked in Rochdale during February 1665.
The local death rate increased dramatically.

Out With The Old

Blackwater Street Chapel was last used today in 1856.
This was the old chapel which opened in 1717 and was enlarged in 1752. At this time it was estimated that there were about 200 Non-Conformist families in Rochdale.

Please click on this link below for more information on ' Places of Worship ' in Rochdale:

http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/rochdale/places-of-worship

Les Miserables

The final meeting was held today in 1866 of the Relief Committee.
One million pound sterling was estimated to have been lost in wages because of the depression.

Cattle Market

Beginning in February 1608 a Cattle Fair began being held in Rochdale three times a year.

Important New Building

The Free Trade Hall, Manchester, opened today in 1843.
John Bright was one of the speakers.

Get Well Soon !

Today in 1859 there was a demonstration in the Public Hall to commemorate John Bright's restoration to health.
There were 1,100 persons present.

New Name

Castleton-by-Rochdale re-named ' Castleton, Lancashire' at a public meeting today.
January 25th 1895.

5.9 5.9 6.0 5.9

Syke Artificial Lakes were first used for skating today in 1894.

Somewhat Chilly !

Today was the coldest day on record, locally.
January 23rd 1894.

110 Years Later !

Rochdale Observer 6th June 1903

THE RIVER TO BE COVERED
There is much talking about the proposal to cover the Roach between The Butts and South Parade.
There was general agreement that additional space is needed to facilitate the tramway traffic and when the vote was taken the whole scheme was sanctioned by a large majority.

Victim Of The Industrial Revolution

Still on the topic of our river, W. Robertson's, 'History Of Rochdale Past And Present' has a chapter about the River Roach :
.........the minnow, the loach and the eel were caught as late as the year 1835,and no doubt the eel much later; but the nauseous matter now poured into the river from the manufactories and sewers has made it a nuisance.

Things To Come ?

With the recent discussion about opening up the River Roach, here is an extract from W. Robertson's book, 'Rochdale And The History Of It's Progress' :

There was a lake on the site of the Lord of the Manor's kitchen garden (war memorial area).
Here water hens and other aquatic birds swam about with their families of helpless little ones.
Trout frisked about its limpid water and leaped into the air after some gaudy fly....................

Education for a lucky few

Today in 1740, Taylor's Charity, for teaching twenty poor children was founded.

All Change !

The annual exchange of pulpits among the nonconformists was first observed today in 1881.

Full House !

Sir Charles Halle and his famous orchestra gave a concert in the Town Hall today in 1881.

Museum Closed Today

A stormy town meeting was held today in 1857 to consider the propriety of opening museums etc. on Sundays.
The resolution lost by a small majority.

The smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd !

An Amateur Dramatic Society began in 1856 to hold meetings in a room opposite St. James' Church.

January 11th 1856

The Great Storm Of '39 !

January 9th  1839 saw a great wind storm hit Rochdale with much damage to property in the neighbourhood.

Snow And More Snow !

The Great Snowstorm began today in 1827.
Most roads in Rochdale became impassable.

A New Newspaper

The Manchester Examiner and Times was first published today in 1846.
John Bright was one of the promoters for this new publication.

Concert for our troops

500 wounded soldiers were entertained today in 1917 at the Town Hall.

Click on this link below to learn more about Rochdale during WW1 and to see some interesting photographs.
http://artsandheritage.link4life.org/index.php/discover/local-history-online/wartime/world-war-1

Send Out The Search Party

Today in 1931 a rambler from Bolton was lost on Rooley Moor.

Snug and Cosy !

January 3rd 1837, an entry from the Spotland Workhouse Diary :

'.........with the assistance of some new Blankets we have got through the storme
without any complaints of the Inmates being Starved in Bedd.'

No Snow !

According to the Rochdale Observer for the beginning of January 1877, the season was very mild.
' As showing the mildness of the season, daisies and dandelions were gathered at Greave.'

Away From The Rain !

The Cabman's Shelter, South Parade, opened today in 1877.