On this day in History 9th December 1868

John Bright received by the Queen on becoming President of the Board of Trade. He was sworn a Privy Councillor.

On this day in History 8th December 1886

- "Rochdale Times" first published bi-weekly.

On this day in History 7th December 1901

Mr. John Ellis's first execution; assists at double execution at Newcastle.

On this day in History 6th December 1882

Severe snowstorm; drifts 30 feet deep on the moors; mills stopped running due to operatives being unable to return to work.

On this day in History 5th December 1872

"The Esplanade" in Rochdale received its name on the suggestion of Alderman Taylor, a proposal to name the thoroughfare "Corporation Street" being defeated.

On this day in History 4th December 1919

Councillor H. Shawcross, J.P. (Chairman of the Rochdale Housing Committee) laid the foundation-stone of the first block of dwellings on the Spotland Estate.

On this day in History 3rd December 1868

Fagnani's portraits of Bright and Cobden, which hang in the Rochdale Town Hall, were presented to the town by Mr. T. B. Potter, M.P.

On this day in History 2nd December 1863

The "Southern Independence" Club essayed a lecture in the Rochdale Public Hall in favour of the Southern States. A great crowd attended. Supporters of the Northern programme ultimately got control of the hall and severley handled the lecturer.

On this day in History 1st Dec 1887

1st December 1887 - Rochdale Town Hall clock began to register time. Diameter of dials 11ft, 6ins., being 6ins less than the original; length of pendulum, 15ft.; weight of hour bell, 59cwts.

On this day in History 30th Nov 1918

Dr. Saleeby, authority on eugenics, spoke at the Pioneers' Hall, Rochdale.

On this day in History 29th Nov 1923

Mr. David Lloyd George, M.P, visits Rochdale and addressed meeting on the Town Hall Square.

On this day in History 28th Nov 1916

Mr Earnest Poles, who had lost his speech through the war, recovered it in an accident at Kelsall and Kemp's Mill, Rochdale.

On this day in History 27th Nov 1895

Professor John Milne, the eminent seismologist, in the Public Hall Rochdale, gave lecture on "Earth Movements."

On this day in History 26th Nov 1866

Horses attached to the Whitworth 'bus bolted. In Whitworth Road the vehicle collided with a lamp - post; a man killed by falling from the top of the 'bus.

On this day in History 25th Nov 1880

Government Inquiry into Rochdale's application to borrow £80,000 to complete Spring Mill Reservoir.

On this day in History 24th Nov 1841

Constabulary Force formed in Rochdale.

On this day in History 23rd Nov 1864

Mr. Cobden's last speech in the town of Rochdale. He addressed upwards of 4,000 persons for nearly two hours in Messrs. Robinson and Sons' works.

On this day in History 22nd Nov 1914

First batch of wounded soldiers arrived at Rochdale. Seventeen were taken to the Crippled Children's Home at Norden and 21 went to the Ambulance Drill Hall.

On this day in History 21st Nov 1929

Mr W. W. Wakefield, the well-known International Rugby forward, was principal guest at the annual dinner of Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club.

On this day in History 20th Nov 1919

Melbourne Inman, the world's billiards champion, played a series of exhibition games at the Provident Hall.