Touchstones Rochdale

Education For All

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000Z

On February 15th 1887 a town meeting was held where it was decided to build a Technical School to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

Be My Valentine !

2012-02-14T12:24:00.001Z

In 1871 20,000 Valentines passed through the Post Office.

So Different To Now !

2012-02-14T11:01:00.003Z

Today in 1886 The Free Public Library began opening on Sundays.
On the first Sunday 976 people visited rhe rooms.

Stuff of nightmares !

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000Z

An exhumation today in Castleton of the body of Mrs. Finley, who died in February 1886, mother of Mrs Berry the Oldham poisoner.

Observer report February 1887

Canal Escape

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1894 the canal embankment at Castleton burst.

Every Home Should Have One !

2012-02-10T11:17:00.003Z

An Observer article from the 10th January 1977 stated :

SLIPPER BATH CLOSURE, SIGN OF THE TIMES
Demand for such facilities has dropped considerably due to improved housing,
this facility will still be available but the times of opening will be greatly reduced.

Run away tram

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000Z

On this day in 1922 a tram car ran away down John Street overturning and crashing into the Pioneers Store at the bottom.
Eighteen people were injured including Mr. F. H. Rudd who was the Borough Electrical Engineer.

Weather Warning

2012-02-08T00:00:00.001Z

On February 8th 1900 there was a severe snowstorm described as the worst for 18 years.

Beyond The Call Of Duty

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000Z

In February 1919 Miss E. J. Whitehead of Watkin Street was decorated by the King with the Red Cross for war services.

Short Lived

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000Z

By February 6th 1827 the ' Rochdale Recorder ' had been going for one month.
It was a constitutional newspaper priced at 7d and published weekly.
Although starting well it only lasted a short time becoming defunct the following year.

Mill Building

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000Z

The year 1900 saw an important activity in mill building.
At this period the Victoria had been running 15 months while the State and Sparth mills were in the course of construction.
The Eclipse started later in this year but all mills reported reduced profits during this time.

Skating on the Lake !

2012-02-04T09:51:00.002Z

1912 saw freezing weather conditions just as now.
Hollingworth Lake was frozen enough to skate on and the Local Studies Library has photographic evidence of this.
Please call in if you are nearby and have a look.

Our Gracie !

2012-02-01T00:00:00.001Z

Today marks the end of a Charity Week where Gracie Fields efforts raised £1,673 for local charities.
During the week she visited the Nurses' Home, Crippled Children's Home, the Infirmary, Birch Hill and the Rotary Club Dance.
She attended a hot pot supper at the Town Hall and her performance at the Hippodrome on Friday night was broadcast by the B.B.C.

The year was 1931.

Before the flu jab !

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000Z

At this time in 1908 there was a widespread epidemic in Rochdale of influenza.

The Queen is dead. Long live the King.

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1901 following the death of Queen Victoria, Rochdale proclamed that Edward heir to the throne was now King.

Literary Visitor

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000Z

On January 29th 1905 Mr. George Bernard Shaw spoke at the Public Hall.

On yer bike !

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1893 the Cycle industry was introduced to the town by Mr. Samuel Tweedale of Oldham Road.

Up In Flames !

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1894 The Theatre Royal, Manchester Road had a disastrous fire which caused £8,000 worth of damage.

Notable Fires

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001Z

During January 1916 these mills all had fires :
Albert Mill, Crawford Street, causing several thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Ellenroad Mill, Newhey, £150,000 or possibly £200,000 worth of damage.

Messers A. Tattersall & Co., Oakenrod, cost of damage reaching several thousands of pounds.

On the 26th of January 1914 the C.W.S. Paint Works, Weir Street caught fire with damage upwards of £40,000.

But what about the horses ?

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000Z

This headline was in the Manchester Courier on the 25th of January 1838 :

COACH ACCIDENT
During the severe gale on Wednesday morning the York mail was blown over at the bottom of Blackstone Edge.
There were no passengers and fortunately the coachman and guard escaped without injury.

Young Sweep

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000Z

From the 'Rochdale Sentinel' January 24th 1855 :

CHIMNEY SWEEPING CASE

Mr. James Crabtree, the manager of Mr. Walker's Mill, Oldham Road was charged with allowing a boy to ascend a flue in that mill. The boy is fourteen years old.

Lad Wanted

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000Z

An advert from the 'Rochdale Sentinel' today in 1855 :
Wanted a steady active LAD, of good character, not nore than 15,
as an Apprentice to the STONEMASON BUSINESS -
Apply to Mr. John Warburton,
Drake Street,
Rochdale.

Steady Growth

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000Z

The population of Rochdale in 1801 was 29,101, in 1811 it was 37,229 and in 1821 it was 47,109.

Burst Pipe

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1924 a water main burst and flooded houses in Drake Street.

No More Ringing Here !

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000Z

A Publican was fined at Rochdale Sessions on Wednesday last.
James Butterworth of the Angel Inn Blackwater Street was convicted and fined 20s and costs for allowing hand bell ringers and disorderly company in his house on Sunday evening.

This appeared in the Manchester Courier on the 20th January 1844.

Dangerous Pastime

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000Z

Skating Fatality.
Three young men drowned at Hollingworth on this day in 1846.

Should have known better !

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001Z

The Chief Constable, Leonard Barry today in 1917 summoned himself for breach of the new Lighting Order.
He was fined 10/-

War in Rochdale

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000Z

A German field gun captured at Loos arrived in Rochdale today in 1916.

Everbody Out !

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001Z

On January 15th 1912 the sanitary workers went on strike.
New men were taken on and the strike collapsed within a week.

What shall I go as ?

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1911 the Mayor and Mayoress ( Sir James and Lady Duckworth ) gave a fancy dress ball for children.

Find The Money !

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000Z

Exciting scenes today in the town centre when a London magazine hid money as part of a treasure hunt.
1904

Beginning of the Eclipse

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1899 the Mayor ( Councillor Miles Ashworth ) cut the first sod in connection with the erection of the Eclipse Mill.

Shall We Dance ?

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000Z

A Subscription Ball took place at the Theatre on the 12th ( 1833 ) in honour of Mr. Fenton's election.
The meeting was most respectably attended and constituted an assemblage of beauty and fashion seldom if ever equalled in the town.
There were nearly 200 persons present. Dancing commenced at 7 and continued until 2 0'clock in the morning when the company separated highly gratified by the enjoyment of the night's entertainment.
The viands were excellent and did great credit to Mr. Fisher of the Beaver Inn by whom they were supplied.

Extract from a Manchester newspaper.

Something to Celebrate !

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000Z

On January 11th 1873 Public Houses opened till midnight on account of the first market.

Local Celebrity !

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001Z

Today in 1870 Edwin Waugh gave readings from his works in the Public Hall.

Sunday Worship

2012-01-09T00:00:00.001Z

On the 9th of January 1868 Sunday Services began at Town Mill Brow School.
They were continued until the opening of Saint Edmunds Church, May 7th 1873.

A Glimpse of the Workhouse

2012-01-08T00:00:00.001Z

Here are two diary entries by Alexander Cheetham, master of Spotland Workhouse for January 1837:

we are in want of 10 or 12lb of Black stockingyarn
we have a deal of black stockins
that wants footing and mending

we gave Old Diggle leave to go to Bury to see his friends on Monday morning
he went of he had not been gone long when John Holt mised a good new waistcoat
search was made Imediatley and it could not be found
we sent a man after Diggle and he found it concealed
in his breast we believe he as other things belonging the same man

Imprisioned For Their Beliefs

2012-01-07T10:17:00.003Z

Today in 1840 a Chartist meeting was held in The Butts to adopt a petition for the release of
Jones, Williams and Frost, imprisioned Chartist Leaders.

Smooth Landing?

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000Z

Mr. B.C. Hicks the famous aviator descended the foot of Brown Wardle today in 1914.

Stop Here

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1901 the canal was blocked and stayed so for a couple of days at Lock Bridge due to the sinking of a barge.

Donation To The Town

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000Z

Dr. H.C. March M.D. on this day in 1896 presented to the town a collection of flints and fossils.

They were placed in the Free Public Library.

Time For A Break

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001Z

Today in 1876 the first market holiday was held.

The practice of extending the opening hours of public houses until midnight was discontinued on this day.

As long as it wasn't frozen over !

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000Z

On January the 2nd 1883 Sunday boating and associated activities were introduced at Hollingworth Lake.

Hoping For A Better New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1867 a torchlight procession took place on Cronkeyshaw to protest against the reform bill,

10,000 persons were present and a boy was killed.

Please Sir I Want Some More !

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000Z

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

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000Z

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 !

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000Z

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

Let There Be Light !

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1896 the market was first lighted by electricity.

New Window for Church

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000Z

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 !

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000Z

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

Suffragette speaks !

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000Z

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

Newhey Saint Thomas'

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000Z

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 !

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001Z

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

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000Z

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

Family Tragedy

2011-12-14T10:17:00.003Z

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 !

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000Z

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 !

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001Z

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 ?

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000Z

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

2011-12-10T13:53:00.003Z

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?

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000Z

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 ?

2011-12-06T13:13:00.002Z

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

2011-12-04T00:00:00.001Z

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 !

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000Z

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 !

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000Z

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 ?

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001Z

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.

Education Improvements

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000Z

Lieutenant Colonel Fishwick was appointed Chairman of the School Board.
This has only recently been set up.

Rochdale Observer November 30th 1897.

Time to celebrate

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1896 was the Jubilee of the Bridge Inn Sick and Burial Society.
This was celebrated by a gathering in the Town Hall.
The society numbers over 7,000.

Earthquake Lecture

2011-11-28T00:00:00.001Z

Prof. John Milne, the eminent seismologist, gave a lecture in the Public Hall on earth movements.

This was on November the 28th 1895.

Time to get your skates on !

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000Z

On this day in 1909 ' The Palace ' skating rink on High Level Road opened.

Looking after the districts

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000Z

The first meeting of Buersill Local Board was held today in 1870.

Generous Donation

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000Z

Mr. T. Bamford, Wardle who died on the 20th of November 1895 left £500 to the Infirmary.

Rochdale is named World Capital of Co-operatives

2011-11-19T18:16:00.000Z

It is now official. In Cancun at the world Cooperative Congress Rochdale is named World Capital of Co-operatives.

Early Unemployment

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000Z

According to ' New Annals of Rochdale ' by T. T. Heywood, today in 1863 there were 8,359 persons estimated to be out of work in consequence of the American Civil War.

A Big Thanks

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000Z

Alderman Livsey was entertained in the Public Hall by 400 Liberals in recognition of 25 years service to the town. An address on vellum was presented to him.

This event took place today in 1863.

Poetic Visit

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000Z

1811 was also the year that Lord Byron paid his only visit to the town.

Lord Byron was Lord of the Manor of Rochdale until 1823 when he sold it to Mr. James Dearden.

Our Famous Statesman

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000Z

John Bright was born today in 1811 at Greenbank, Rochdale. He was the second son of Jacob and Martha.
He became one of the leading British statesman of the mid-nineteenth century and is perhaps most remembered for his part in the repeal of the corn laws.
He was an opponent of war and slavery and fiercely campaigned to extend democracy to more working people.

'Touchstones' has an event tonight to celebrate this anniversary.
See advert on this site or contact our centre for more information.

Martin Luther

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000Z

During this month the non-conformist churches in Rochdale commemorated the 400th anniversary of Luther's birth by holding special services.

Scottish Post

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000Z

John Bright elected Lord Rector of Glasgow University.

Rochdale Observer 14th of November 1880.

Money Well Spent !

2011-11-13T00:00:00.000Z

Mr. George Mansell on being elected Mayor, stipulated that instead of giving Mayoral dinners he would, during his term of office, donate £500 to charitable institutions.
He gave the sum to the infirmary.

Taken from New Annals of Rochdale, November 13th 1868.

Remember remember the fifth of November.............

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000Z

The Heywood ancestry can be traced back to the 12th century. A prominent forbear was Peter 'powderplot ' Heywood who was amongst the men who captured Guy Fawkes.
Fawkes was proclaimed guilty of high treason and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. On the day of the execution he was aided by the hangman to climb the ladder to the noose and although weakened by torture he managed to jump from the gallows. He fell breaking his neck thus avoiding the latter part of the execution.

Lost !

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000Z

Concord, a dog belonging to the Rochdale Hunt was lost during a hunt on Shore Moor.
The dog is easily identified as she has the letters ' R. H. ' tattooed in her ears.
Altogether four dogs were lost during the hunt.

Rochdale Observer 4th of November 1957.

The Workhouse Day !

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000Z

This is an entry from November 1839, Spotland Workhouse Diary:

Pensioner Butterworth goes out when he will

he thinks he is above asking leave

and says he pays for his Meate

but he as had a deal of Clothing

we have a very useful lad that goes out

with Sand and other jobs

last night he beat him unmercyfully that

the lad is not fit for work

our Number is on the increase

Beate Mielemeier

2011-11-02T00:00:00.001Z

On this day last year Beate Mielemeier died.

Beate was the Arts Development Officer for Rochdale Borough.

This was printed on the card given out at her funeral:

Beate,

a beautiful, positive life force who shared her creative spirit, energy, humour, wisdom, inspiration, encouragement, warmth and love so generously adding something very special, to so many people's lives.

Important buiding for Richard Street

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000Z

Today in 1927 Lord Derby opened the new Masonic Temple in Richard Street.

We must have needed more than hope !

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000Z

This paragraph is taken from a book called : Rochdale in the beginning of the 17th century by Henry Fishwick.

Vigorous as has been Rochdale's progress in the past, we must hope that it's future be no less so, for if the time ever comes that towns like this shall fall away into decay, the day will not be far distant when England's greatness - like the glory of ancient Rome - shall have departed from her, and her former strength and power shall have become the theme of the historian and poet.

Our Own Appleby !

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000+01:00

Public Notice displayed from the 30th of October 1828 :

Rochdale Horse Fair will be held on Friday the 7th of November beginning in Clover Street and extending along Cheetham Street.
As usual this fair will be continued each succeeding half-year in May and November.

Watch Out !

2011-10-29T11:18:00.002+01:00

An early Manchester paper from 29th of October 1830 had this report :

Henry Collingwood, Jeweller has had a recent robbery.
The Blackwater Street premises were entered through the roof. 20 silver and metal watches were stolen. The roof which is low communicates with another still lower, that at one part may almost be ascended without ladder from the pavement to the street.

Improve Our Town

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today in 1852 a meeting took place to set in motion the steps for obtaining a new Improvement Act.

Blue Ball For Sale

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

Manchester Guardian report 26th of October 1845 :

Sale of Blue Ball
All that old established and well accustomed Inn or Public House called the Blue Ball, situate in Yorkshire Street, Rochdale. The Brew House, Stable and other outbuildings and yard thereunto belonging, now occupied by Richard Holt and his under tenents.

For further particulars apply to :
Messrs. Woods and Jackson,
Solicitors,
Rochdale.

Pay Rise !

2011-10-25T12:34:00.002+01:00

The Manchester Guardian on this day in 1843 had this piece of news :

Mr James Archer, Woollen Manufacturer, Yorkshire Street, Rochdale has advanced his hand loom weavers wages by ten per cent.

The John Bright Statue

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000+01:00

In 1891 on this day John Bright's statue was unveiled on the Town Hall Square.
The statue is 9 feet high and stands on a pedestal of 11 feet.
The cost was £2,000.

The statue was moved to it's present site in July 1933.

Please call in and see the material we have on John Bright in our library including a display of photographs to mark the bicentenary of his birth next month.

Special Event

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today in 1913 Lord Derby opened the Conservative Bazaar in the Town Hall which lasted four days.
This event realised £1,600.

Infectious Disease

2011-10-22T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today in 1902 there was an announcement stating that smallpox had broken out in Rochdale.

The Boer War Tablet

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

Forty two Rochdalians died at Spion Kop and Paarberg during the hostilities in South Africa and it was resolved today in 1905, that a monument should be erected in their memory.
However, so little money was raised by the public appeal that the committee had to be content with the laying of a bronze tablet at the tower entrance to the Town Hall.

The tablet was unveiled by Brigadier General Fry and there was an extremely large turnout for the ceremony.

The Workhouse day, 20th of October 1841

2011-10-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

On the 20 Carles Holt came in to the house and sarah schofield had 4 yards of calico for 2 shifts and 3 yards of Blue cloth for a petty coate - ann Lomax had 6 yards of flannel for 2 petty coates

Part of the report of Mary Cheetham, Workhouse Mistress, May 1841 to November 1842.

Probably wouldn't happen today !

2011-10-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today in 1900 a Stag was caught at The Greave after being chased through several districts.

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

Notes from the Workhouse

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

This is the entry for October 18th 1843 in the Spotland Workhouse Diary :

Last Monday William Butterworth the old joiner died and on the same day a man of the name of Jas Sutlife came into the House.
The suden change of weather has affected some of the inmates so that we have had to have the Doctor 2 or 3 times this week.

Good Buy !

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000+01:00

The Wellington Hotel was sold for about £15,000, on this day in 1922.

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

Mr. John Bright

2011-10-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

'There is no more controversial a figure in nineteenth century politics than John Bright.'

'John Bright was the most important figure in the history of mid-victorian radicalism.'

'John Bright was the greatest of all Parliamentary orators.'

Learn more by going to the 'Discover' part of our website then 'Focused on People' and then 'John Bright'.

If you are able please call in at Touchstones to see our John Bright collection.

John Bright Celebrations

2011-10-15T00:00:00.000+01:00

Call in at the Local Studies Library to find out about John Bright.

Born in November 1811 we have many events planned to celebrate the centenary.