Touchstones Rochdale

Who Won ?

2013-05-25T11:15:00.003+01:00

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

Peace

2013-05-24T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-23T11:14:00.000+01:00

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 !!!

2013-05-22T00:30:00.000+01:00

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.......

2013-05-21T12:25:00.001+01:00

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

Heywood Boundary

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-17T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Time For A Change

2013-05-15T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

A Step Forward

2013-05-13T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-11T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Starting To Improve

2013-05-09T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Where To Buy A horse Now ?

2013-05-07T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Keep In Touch !

2013-05-05T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-03T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-05-02T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Dancing Around The Maypole

2013-05-01T00:30:00.000+01:00

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 !

2013-04-29T00:30:00.000+01:00

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.

2013-04-28T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

Come And See !!!

2013-04-27T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-04-26T00:30:00.000+01:00

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.

2013-04-25T12:51:00.001+01:00

Come And Learn

2013-04-25T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

The Roar of the Crowd !!!

2013-04-24T00:30:00.000+01:00

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

2013-04-23T00:30:00.000+01:00

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