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.