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.

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.

On this day in History 31st December 1989

There were 134 licenced victuallers, 153 beershop-keepers, 71 holders of grocers' licences, 22 wholesale spirit dealers, and 9 holders of confectioners' licences to sell wine, in the town.

On this day in History 30th December 1900

Lieutenant Heap returns home on sick leave from South Africa

On this day in History 29th December 1859

The local Rifle Volenteer Corps, which had been recently formed, held their first drill.

On this day in History 28th December 1884

Empty property in the borough comprised 943 dwelling-houses, 17 mills, 14 workshops and 49 shops.

On this day in History 27th December 1925

Rev. F. W. Norburn drove motor cycle and sidecar into the canal at Littleborough during a fog.

On this day in History 26th December 1868

At St. Mary's Church, Wardleworth, the Christmas Decorations were torn down by some person unknown. The candlesticks on the alter were carried away, and several vestiments destroyed.

On this day in History 25th December 1868

Wesley Sunday School, Peel Street, opened. It was unroofed two days later whilst Mr. John Ashworth was preaching, 38 persons being injured. A fund in aid of the sufferers realised £297 18s 1/2d.

On this day in History 24th December 1896

Rochdale Market first lighted by electricity.

On this day in History 23rd December 1861

Prince Consort's funeral observed; large procession formed in The Butts and procended to the Parish Church, where a special service was held.

On this day in History 22nd December 1848

Mr. John Entwistle, Foxholes, was High Sherriff of Lancashire.

On this day in History 21st December 1844

-Pioneer's Society first commenced buisiness in an old warehouse in Toad Lane; stock in trade: Butter 1 qr. 22lbs. Sugar, 2 qrs.; flour, three sacks at 37s. 6d., and three at 36s. ; candles, 2 doz. ; meal, one sack ; total cost, £16 11s. 11d.

On this day in History 20th December 1867

Remarkable Demonstration, display of feeling towards a young butcher named Whittaker for selling beef at cheap prices. A procession, in which several thousand persons joined, accompainied by two bands of music, marched round the town; an address presented to whittaker.

On this day in History 19th December 1956

Mr. (afterwards the Rt. Hon. Jacob Bright) elected first mayor.

On this day in History 18th December 1879

Dane Street Bridge opened; cost, including purchase of buildings for widening purposes, £10,578.