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former UDC
Registered Charity No.
1003804
The Society
normally meets at 7.30 p.m. at Chadderton Central
Library, Middleton Road, on the first Thursday of each
month, unless holidays, etc. necessitate a change of date
to the second week.
Membership
Annual subscription £10.00 , family £15.00.
Visitors' donations most welcome.
Chairman: Mark Johnson. Secretary: Michael Lawson
B.Ed.,M.A. Treasurer: Denis Barrott. Membership Sec: Alan
Clegg.. Newsletter, Email & Website Secretary; Enid
Johnson.
Patron Lady Maureen
Black (Radclyffe of Foxdenton)
President Honorary
Alderman Sidney Jacobs;
Vice President
Councillor Jim Greenwood
Affiliated to the
Historical Association - No. 35186
Member of the British
Association for Local History - No. 920623B
Member of the Lancashire
Local History Federation
Member of the 'Friends of
Real Lancashire' - No. 526 SF
The Society's Newsletter, 'The Griffin' is
published quarterly, in February, May, August and November.
It is available to all members, and to the general
public.
Please access Chadderton
Historical Society's web site. www.chadderton-hs.freeuk/current
newsletter.htm
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Programme of
Events
July 2007 - May 2008
2007
7th June A Ramble in Royton Town Centre
Royton Town Centre, unlike Chadderton's,
developed around its ancient manor house and its
historic centre.
Hence, there was a succession of buildings of
note in a fairly concentrated area. This evening
members of Royton Local History Society welcome
us as they point out some of the many items of
interest to be found within this central area.
The Parish Church of St. Paul was erected in
1889, to replace an earlier structure of 1754,
and in the churchyard may be seen the remains of
the village stocks, a sundial, and several
tombstones of note. Royton Town Hall was built
in 1880, whilst the library and baths followed
in 1907, and 1910, respectively. There was once
an indoor market with stalls for fifty tenants,
whilst there have been three police stations
since 1855. Our neighbouring township holds many
surprises for us, as we shall find out.
(Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at
7.00p.m. to arrange transport.)
5th July Visit to Ashton-u-Lyne Parish
Church
Chadderton's connection with
Ashton-under-Lyne goes back to around 1450, when
one of the three co-heiresses to the Manor of
Chadderton, Joan Radcliffe, married Edmund
Assheton. Today both towns share the same motto
'Labor Omnia Vincit' (Work Conquers Everything)
whilst the black mullet of the Asshetons is a
prominent feature in both coats-of-arms. It is
believed that there was a church in Ashton
before the Norman Conquest, as the Domesday Book
mentions a St Michael's Church in the east of
the ancient parish of Manchester. The present
building dates from the fifteenth century
although much of the structure was
re-constructed in Victorian times. The church is
built in the Perpendicular Style with large
windows, which necessitated supportive
buttresses. St Michael's boasts some of the best
examples of fifteenth century stained glass left
in Britain. The nave of the church is dominated
by a three-decker pulpit, which has pews facing
it, rather than the altar. These are box pews
complete with doors, with the wealthier families
seated nearer the front.
(Meet at Victoria Street Car Park , at
7.00p.m. to arrange transport.)
2nd August: 'From Greatness to Glory' An
Anniversary Visit to Chadderton Cemetery.
The 18 acres of Chadderton Cemetery were
purchased by the Oldham Burial Board at
£150 per acre, and the cemetery was opened
in August 1857. It was designed by N. G.
Pennington, the architect of Oldham Lyceum,, and
was taken over by the former Oldham Corporation
in 1867. This year is the 150th anniversary of
the cemetery which to date holds the graves of
nearly 100,000 people. Chadderton soon became a
fashionable place in which to be buried, and
this evening's visit will concentrate on the
impressive 'top walk', which contains the graves
of many of Chadderton's noteworthy citizens of
yesteryear. These include Ernest Kempsey, who
held the distinction of being four times
Chairman of the Urban District Council, and John
Platt, MP for our town from 1868 until his death
in 1872.
(Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7
15 p. m. or the cemetery gates at 7 30
p.m.)
5th September Visit to Lark Hill Place,
Salford
Please note the change of day to
Wednesday!
This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of
the opening of Lark Hill Place, in Salford
Museum, and is therefore an appropriate occasion
on which to make a visit. This reconstruction of
a street of typical nineteenth century Salford
buildings, was created from features salvaged
from houses and shops, during the demolition of
parts of the city in the 1940's. Many of the
unhealthy cramped dwellings, dating from before
the 1840's, had been replaced after 1870, by
terraced streets with yards and back alleys.
Prominent within this pattern were a variety of
corner shops. Lark Hill Place, named after the
Georgian Mansion that once stood on the spot,
greets us at a winter tea-time just after the
street gas lamps have been lit. Join us as we
recapture past living conditions, and let our
imaginations run riot!
(Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7 00 pm
to arrange transport)
4th October Failsworth Pole
Failsworth's most notable landmark is its
'pole'. Although there is evidence of a pole,
possibly a Maypole, prior to 1793, it was in
that year that the first political symbol was
erected to "overawe the Jacobins, and to
demonstrate the loyalty of the township, and its
hatred of Tom Paine, and all his works.' To date
there have been five poles. The present one,
which surmounts a handsome brick clock tower,
was erected in 1958. Perched 54 feet
[16.1/2m) above ground level, on top of the
modern pole, is a gift-painted solid copper
'Cock of the North'. Our friends from Failsworth
outline the reasons behind the Pole, and
describe the various ones that have occupied the
same site during the past 214 years.
8th November The Four Meres of
Saddleworth
Making his first visit to us is Mike Buckley,
Chairman of Saddleworth Historical Society.
Saddleworth has from ancient times been divided
into four divisions or meres, and each of these
has shaped Saddleworth in a different way.
Friarmere, originally monastic land, was
eventually sold by King Henry viii. Lordsmere,
as the name suggests, was land belonging to the
Lord of the Manor, and held as the Manorial
Demesne. Quickmere was originally moorland,
owned as independent Saxon freehold land. The
smallest estate, Shawmere, was originally owned
by the Shaw family before passing to the
Radcliffes of Ordsall, Salford, who were related
to the Radcliffes of Chadderton. Members will
doubtless learn much about this very unique
community that forms over half of our borough's
area.
6th December. Party Night 'Imperial
Echoes'
Over the years we have had themed parties on
periods from Ancient Rome to the 1940's War
Years. This year we look back to the days of the
Raj and the British Empire, an empire on which
it was said the sun never set. It is recorded
that Queen Victoria enjoyed curry, which she
thought delicious, but a wide variety of food
from many distant parts of the former empire
will be available this evening. As is the
custom, members are encouraged to come along in
appropriate costume, although this is certainly
not compulsory. A joint bar, to which members
are asked to contribute, will provide the liquid
refreshment for the event.
2008
3rd January Chadderton's Claims to Fame
When the Society first published its leaflet
on 'Chadderton's Claims to Fame', it contained
only a dozen or so entries. Over the years a
great many more interesting facts have been
discovered. This evening's illustrated talk by
Society Members, Michael Lawson and Mark
Johnson, will look at a selection of the more
unusual Claims to Fame, and Fascinating Facts.
Did you know that a Chadderton resident carried
out the last official hanging in the UK, prior
to the abolition of the death penalty? Who was
he? What was AL 63, and why was it important
during the Second World War? All will be
revealed this evening!
7th February When the Saints Came Marching
In! Part 1 - Early Days
Our friend of many years, Margaret Curry,
from Rochdale, makes her thirteenth visit to us
with yet another of her extremely informative,
and also entertaining presentations.. With
particular reference to Lancashire she traces
the coming of Christianity to our shores.: This
first of two illustrative talks covers the
Pre-Christian Period, via the Roman legionaries
to the death of the Anglo-Saxon Saint Aidan in
AD 651.
6th March 'Ferney' Farnworth
Farnworth means "the enclosure among the
ferns", and according to a source dated 1787,
the area was overrun with ferns. The township
passed to several families, notably the Levers
and the Hultons, and the industrial history
started in 1611, when George Hulton dug the
first coal pits. By 1848, there were 20 pits in
the area, whilst beneath Farnworth is a series
of underground canals, dug in the early 1800's
to transport coal to Worsley. Other industries
included iron foundries and cotton mills.
Originally, within the parish of Deane, its
parish church of St. John was consecrated in
September 1826, by the Bishop of Chester. In
1894, the township became an urban district,
which in 1939 was elevated by charter to a
municipal borough. This evening Ken Beavers
introduces us to this Lancashire town, situated
on the rivers Croal and Irwell.
3rd April Visit to Local Studies Centre,
Oldham.
Following the talk given to us last April by
Roger Ivens, the Archives officer for the
Borough, we take this opportunity of visiting
the Local Studies Library in Oldham. The
impressive archives contain a wealth of material
on Chadderton, and this evening members will
have the opportunity of seeing this first
hand.
(Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7
p.m.to arrange transport)
1st May 33rd Annual General
Meeting
As many members as possible are encouraged to
attend this most important meeting. This evening
they have the opportunity of criticising, in a
positve manner, any aspect of the Society's
activities, and of defining the direction in
which the CHS ought to go. The election of
trustees, and the various other officials of the
Society, will also take place, whilst the
Prgramme for 2008-2009 will be made available.
Much has been achieved in the past thirty-two
years, and the Society is a well-respected
organisation within our metropolitan borough,
and in the wider north-west region. We intend to
build on this success story.
______________________________________________
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2006
8th June Visit to Roman
Castlefield, Manchester
Julius Agricola built the
first fort overlooking the confluence of the
rivers Irwell and Medlock, about AD 79. This
wooden fort, on the road from Deva (Chester) to
Eboracum (York), was named Mamucium after the
outcrop which resembled a breast shaped hill.
Over the next three centuries, a stone fort was
built, and a small civilian settlement, or
vicus, grew around it. It has been estimated
that some 2000 people lived in the complex,
including soldiers' wives and families, and
traders and craftsmen. At the withdrawal of the
Romans in AD 411 the fort and settlement were
abandoned, became overgrown ruins, and
ultimately were buried under the railways and
canals of Victorian Manchester. The
reconstructed North Gate, and other features
show how the fort would have appeared about AD
200. Members are assured of a fascinating
glimpse into the distant past when Britannia
formed the northern boundary of the Roman
Empire.
Meet at Victoria Street
Car Park at 7. p. m. to arrange
transport.
6 th July Ramble: Mills
Hill - Canal Environs
The Rochdale Canal was
opened throughout its 32 miles length in 1804,
and one tenth of it passes through Chadderton.
During the 1 19th century it was much used on a
local level. The walk along the canal towpath
from Mills Hill will go as far as 'Th' Iron
Donger' historic railway bridge, and members
will be able to see, among other features, the
site of McDougall's Chemical Works. The ramble
also takes in the rural area which lies above
the canal.
( at Victoria Street
Car Park at 7 15 p. m., or Mills Hill Station
Car Park for 7 30 p. m.
Start).
3rd August: Visit to
Littleborough
In April 2005, Mark
Pearson from the local historical society gave
us a very interesting talk on Littleborough old
and new. This town, which historically was
situated within the ancient township of
Blatchinworth and Calderbrook, is perhaps best
known for Hollingworth Lake, a popular beauty
spot, known in Victorian times as the 'Weighvers
Seaport'. However, this evening members of the
Littleborough Historical Society will be showing
us some of the interesting buildings to be found
within the town centre.
(Meet at Victoria
Street Car Park at 7.00 p m. to arrange
transport).
7th September: Visit to
Radcliffe Tower& Church
Radcliffe Tower was the
original home of the Radcliffe (Radclyffe)
family, one of the most illustrious in England.
Two branches became our local Lords of the Manor
- at Chadderton Hall (c1367-c1454), and
Foxdenton Hall (c1454-1953) The ruined Tower
stands in a loop of the River Irwell, which is
overlooked by the 'red cliff of sandstone which
gave the township its name. In close vicinity
stands the medieval parish church of St. Mary. A
church has existed on the site since Saxon times
and the present structure, a Grade 1 listed
building, has been modified over the centuries.
The oldest part is the nave, built in the early
15th century, by James de Radcliffe. The tower
dates from 1665, but incorporates original
features. A guide will be available in the
church.
(*Please note early
start . Meet at Victoria Street car Park at
6.30p.m. to arrange
transport).
5th October: 'Looking
Back at Newton Heath'
Joining us for the first
time is Peter ChorIton who will give us an
insight to the history of Newton (Heath).
Situated on the doorstep of Manchester, this
ancient township saw a rapid increase in
population in the Victorian period, and this
created problems too great for its Local Board
of Health. As a result the township sought
incorporation with the neighbouring city in
1885. However, it was five years later before
the township was absorbed by the metropolis. No
doubt members will leave the meeting with a much
deeper understanding of this important district
of north Manchester.
2nd November: 'Rails
Radiating from Manchester'
Making his first visit to
us is Donald Cash from Shaw, whose talk is on
the history of Manchester's rail routes. Several
railway lines were constructed out of Manchester
during the 19th century, and these were operated
by various companies including the Lancashire
and Yorkshire. Three lines came through
Chadderton with stations sited at Hollinwood and
Middleton Junction. Grouping of companies took
place in 1923, whilst nationalisation and
rationalisation after WW11, led ultimately to
the decline of many lines in the region.
Privatisation in the 1980's opened a new chapter
in rail transport, and Manchester Victoria is
now linked by the Metrolink to Manchester
Piccadilly thus connecting the systems north and
south of the city.
7th December: Archives
Evening
In February 2005, an
unscheduled change to our programme gave members
the opportunity to look at
items from our large
archive collection. This included documents -
originals and copies, photographs from our wide
collection, and various other artefacts. It was
very well received and members requested another
opportunity of 'perusing the archives'. This
evening will be an informal one of looking at
this material, of chatting and generally
enjoying the company of other members. Such a
relaxing evening must surely end with coffee and
mince pies!
2007
14th January: Salve,
Populi Chaddertoniens151
'Greetings, People of the
Township of Chadderton!' As is our tradition we
commence the New Year with a historically themed
party, and this year we return to the days of
Imperial Rome, as we sample some of the
delicacies from this distant period. One of the
seven Roman roads radiating from Mamucium
(Manchester) came through Chadderton at
Streetbridge, and some of the unspoilt natural
areas of our township would certainly have been
familiar to the legionaries. Latin will, no
doubt, be spoken this evening (albeit with a
Lancashire accent!). Members are asked to bring
along 'vinus' or the juice of fermented hops and
barley. Roman costume is encouraged - a toga
needs little preparation - but this is certainly
not essential!
1st February: Tales of
Two Cities
London and Westminster are
not the only two famous cities existing side by
side, alongside a river, for in our own region
we have the twin cities of Manchester and
Salford, sitting astride the River Irwell.
Whilst the latter city may have developed in the
shadow of its larger neighbour it has a rich
history of its own, and staunchly maintains its
independence. Medieval Manchester developed at
the confluence of the rivers Irwell and Irk,
some 1.1/2 km from the former Roman site, and it
became the parish for a wide area including its
near neighbour. However, Manchester was to owe
territorial allegiance to the Royal Manor of
Salford, the name Salford also being given to
one of the six ancient divisions or hundreds of
the county. Manchester is now the seat of an
Anglican bishop, whilst across the water is the
cathedral of the Roman Catholic bishop. Margaret
Curry, making her twelfth visit, is certain to
provide us with an interesting insight into
these two friendly rivals!
1st March: Toys and
Games
Raymond Rush, from
Macclesfield, makes his third visit to the
Society. In past years he has regaled us with
the background history to how our fairs, feasts,
and festivals came into being, and also provided
us with much new
information about
our Christmas and New Year
We all have memories of our
favourite toys and games, and this evening Ray
takes as his subject the history of this central
aspect of childhood.
Ray's inimitable style and
infectious laugh are sure to make for a most
entertaining, as well as informative,
evening.
5th April: Archives of Oldham Local
Studies Centre
Over the years members
have made several visits to the Local Interest
Centre in Oldham. Few can dispute the wealth of
information contained in this
valuable asset to
the metropolitan borough. This evening the
Archives Officer, Roger Ivens, makes his first
visit to the Society to talk about the archive
material at the Centre. He will also bring along
items which will be of particular interest to
Chaddertonians.
3rd May: 32nd Annual General
Meeting.
This meeting is always of
the utmost importance since it
sets out the policy of
the Society, and the direction in which members
would like it to go in the future. It gives the
opportunity for constructive criticism and for
newer members to inject fresh ideas into the
organisation. All
members are requested to be present for the
election of
trustees, and the various
other officials of the Society Much has been
achieved in the past thirty one years, and the
Society is a well-respected organisation
within our
metropolitan borough, and in the wider region of
the north-west.
Various topics will be open for discussion and
the Programme for our monthly meetings during
2007-2008 will be available.
2005
-2006
2005
9th June Visit to Ordsall Hall,
Salford
The first Ordsall Hall dates back to
before 1250, and the present building retains
features of the manor house begun by Sir John
Radclyffe in the early 14th century. He was one
of the descendants of the family from Radclyffe
Tower, who also provided Chadderton Hall and
Foxdenton Hall with their manorial lords.
Ordsall is a timber-framed building of
outstanding historical and architectural
interest, with an impressive spere truss. The
Radclyffes of Ordsall and of Foxdenton were
closely related branches, but in 1662 Ordsall
passed out of their hands. Members are assured
of a very interesting visit as they are
conducted around the hall by a guide in Tudor
costume.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 6.00
p.m. to arrange transport. Please note early
start!]
7th July: Visit to Delph Village,
Saddleworth
It is many years since the Society visited
one of the villages which together make up that
rather unique community of Saddleworth,
historically in Yorkshire but on the Lancashire
side of the Pennines. Delph is our destination
this evening and the history of this village,
which sits astride the River Tame, will be
outlined by a member of the Saddleworth
Historical Society, as he takes members and
friends on a conducted tour.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7.00
p.m. to arrange transport, for 7.30 p.m. start
in Delph.]
4th August: Ramble around 'Our
Ancient Centre'
For this year's local walk we look at the
area from where Chadderton evolved. For
convenience we start at St. Matthew's Church,
the mother church of our township. After a short
conducted tour we journey via Mill Brow, Cragg
and Hill Top, before descending into Chadderton
Fold -the ancient centre of Chadderton. In the
environs of this attractive spot on the River
Irk, there is much to interest the visitor, even
if most buildings of note are no longer in
existence. This ramble, together with October's
talk, provides the ideal introduction to the
history of Chadderton for the newcomer.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Par at 7.00
p.m. to arrange transport.]
8th September: Visit to Oldham
Parish Church
The present church in Oldharn was opened in
December 1830, the corner stone being laid by
the Bishop of Chester, but there had been an
earlier church on the site. Although the exact
date when a church was first founded in Oldham
is unsure, the first building was for many
centuries a chapel-of-ease to the mother church
in Prestwich. Chadderton was one of the ten
townships which formed the Parish of
Prestwich-cum-Oldham, and in the ancient church
the Manorial Lords of Chadderton Hall had a side
chapel, whilst the coat-of-arms of the
Radclyffes of Foxdenton was portrayed in the
east window. Unfortunately, none of these
features survived the rebuilding, but the
present church has much to interest the visitor,
including the crypt with its coffin of the
'Oldham Giant', the bell tower, and some fine
parish silverware.
[Meet at Victoria Sreet Car Park at 7.00
p.m. to arrange transport.]
6th October Chadderton through
the Ages
Within its comprehensive archives, the
Society has hundreds of slides on Chadderton,
its past and present. Members, especially those
who have joined recently, have the ideal
opportunity of seeing something of our town's
rich and varied history. The long and impressive
manorial period has an appeal of its own,
exemplified in Foxdenton Hall. The change from a
rural township to a Victorian town is
illustrated by photographs detailing the
evolution of local government, whilst the
development of industry and communications is
given consideration. On the social side, the
influence of the churches and schools is
Included in this wide-ranging talk.
3rd November: The Romans in
Lancashire
Making his fourth visit to us, Fred Holcroft
from Wigan, takes as his subject the period of
400 years when 'Britannia' was a province of the
Roman Empire. He explains how the Imperial
Legions came to the northwest which was then
inhospitable country inhabited by the Celtic
tribe of Brigantes. Several important forts were
to be constructed in the area later to become
Lancashire, including Mamucium (Manchester) and
Bremetennacum (Ribchester) and as many as seven
roads are believed to have radiated from
Manchester including one through Streetbridge in
Chadderton. The talk will concentrate on the
area near Wigan or Coccium.
1st December: Nineteenth Century
Greeting Cards
Advent marks the preparation period for
Christmas, and this evening our thoughts turn
towards the coming joyful season. Many of the
festivities associated with Christmas developed
during the 19th century, particularly in the
Victorian period, and greetings cards are now
seen as a central feature of the celebration.
Sheila Sturrock from Burnley makes her first
visit to Chadderton, and in her illustrated talk
looks at examples of this form of conveying best
wishes. Naturally, the evening would not be
complete without mince pies and coffee.
2006
5th January: Vintage
Victorian
The New Year commences with our seasonal
party, which this time returns to a Victorian
theme. The young Queen Victoria came to the
throne in 1837, dying in 1901, and during this
longest reign of any English monarch the face of
the country was transformed. In addition a great
empire was consolidated in all parts of the
world. The evening is one of fun with parlour
games, etc. and includes a Victorian supper.
Members are encouraged to come in appropriate
costume.
2nd February: Dirt and Disease in
Lancashire
In Autumn 2004, the Society was given several
copies of the Reports of the Medical Officer of
Health for Chadderton, covering the years 1897
to 1913. As may be expected they make
fascinating reading, especially the earlier
ones. The most prevalent causes of infection in
1897 were Scarlet Fever, followed by Typhoid
Fever and Diphtheria. During 1898 twenty?nine
cases of Typhoid Fever occurred in Chadderton
and a family of five in Block Lane were removed
to hospital where one died. Poor sanitation and
lack of cleanliness were contributory factors in
contracting the infection. The guest speaker
this month is Anthony Foster from Darwen. His
illustrated talk is based on the health reports
of that township for 1861 and 1874, when serious
typhoid epidemics broke out among a section of
the population. The talk focuses on the reasons
why the township did not take sufficient
precautions to ensure that the disease did not
reoccur following the earlier outbreak.
2nd March: Along the Eden
Valley
This evening Margaret Curry makes her
eleventh visit to Chadderton, to inform and
entertain us in her own inimical way. Much
travelled throughout the north of England, she
takes us along the course of the River Eden
which rises at its source near Kirby Stephen in
Westmorland. Places and items of interest are
captured on film slides as the journey of some
ninety miles takes in Appleby-in-Westmorland the
county town, Penrith, and Carlisle, county town
of Cumberland, and administrative centre of
Cumbria. The journey ends as the Eden reaches
the sea at Solway Firth.
April 6th Chadderton's Aircraft
Industry -the End of an Era
During the past decade or so, Chadderton's
most prestigious asset, its aircraft factory on
Greengate, has become but a shadow of its former
self as the work force was reduced dramatically.
The news that it was to close completely marked
the end of a significant chapter in our
township's industrial history. Opened in 1939,
the factory was then known as A. V. Roe's, and
it was here that the Lancaster, the most famous
bomber of the Second World War, was designed by
Roy Chadwick arguably the world's greatest
aircraft designer. Many other historic planes
have come off the assembly line at Chadderton,
including the magnificent Vulcan, a delta-winged
bomber which was part of Britain's defence
system until the early 1980's. This evening
Harry Holmes, former employee and historian,
traces the history of the factory. Although its
closure may signal the end of an era, the blue
eagle that proudly adorns the crest of
Chadderton's coat-of-arms, will remind future
generations of Chadderton's once most renowned
industry.
May: 31* Annual General Meeting
All members are requested to be present at
this important event at which the election of
trustees, and various officials of the Society
will take place. The Annual General Meeting also
provides the opportunity for members, old and
new, to consider the direction in which they
would like to see the Society go in the future,
and to criticise present policies if necessary.
A great deal has been achieved in the past
thirty years, and the Society is a
well-respected organisation within our
metropolitan borough, and in the wider region of
the north-west. Various topics will be open for
discussion and the Programme for our monthly
meetings during 2006-2007 will be
available.
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Programme of
Events
2004 -
2005
10th June. - Fire Service Museum,
Rochdale
English legislation in 1189 encouraged the
use of more fire-resistant building materials,
whilst in 1212 it was decreed that water should
be kept nearby for fire fighting purposes. The
first appliance for delivering a continuous
stream of water dates from 1675. During the 19th
century manual fire engines were gradually
replaced by horse-drawn steam engines. The
Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum offers
members the opportunity of exploring the
fascinating history of fire fighting in our own
region. Many of the exhibits are fire appliances
shown in period settings, such as a Victorian
street, and a 1940's scene during the blitz.
(Meet at Victoria Street
at Car Park at 7 p.m. to arrange
transport)
1st July. - Washbrook
Walkabout.
Our local history ramble this year commences
at Washbrook, also known as Butler Green.
Commencing at the crossroads the walk takes us
along Stanley Road to trace the line of the
former Hollinwood branch canal and its basin in
south-east Chadderton. Along the way the history
of a variety of buildings will be outlined. The
ramble then goes along the township boundary to
Mill Lane returning to Washbrook by way of
Spencer Street, Old Lane, and Block Lane. Maps
will be available to bring aspects of a bygone
age alive.
(Meet at Victoria Street
Car Park at 7.00 p.m. to arrange transport, or
at Wallis St. (car parking) for 7.30 p.m.
start.)
5 th August - Mossley Industrial Heritage
Centre
Based in Longlands Mill. built in 1871, the
Centre was formed when local interest was shown
in the building after Emmaus, a Christian
charity, bought it in 1996. It is run by Mossley
Civic Society who developed the Centre when
former workers started to reminisce about their
lives at the mill. Memories abounded, and all
had tales to tell. This served as an
encouragement to dig into their photograph
albums, bookshelves and attics. This fascinating
account of industrial development in Mossley
should appeal to all members.
(Meet at Victoria Street
Car Park at 7 00 p.m. to arrange
transport
2nd September - Setantii Tales of
Tameside
This evening we travel to the borough of
Tameside, and also back in new visitor
attraction that time as we experience this
exciting traces the history of Tameside from
Celtic times to the present. Housed in the
basement of Ashton-Under-Lyne's elegant Town
Hall, the displays help us to team about the
Setantii who were a local tribe of
Brigantes defeated by the Romans in AD 71. We
also experience the 15th century market, find
out about local involvement in the Civil War,
and took at the famous Longendale Longbow. This
was the type used at the Battle of Agincourt, at
which our own John Radcliffe of Chadderton Hall
fought. The experiences conclude with the
industrial and cultural developments of
today.
[Meet at Victoria
Street Car Park at 7.00 p.m to arrange
transport.]
7thOctober. - The English Civil War in
Lancashire
The mid-17th century saw English society torn
apart by internal conflict as the autocracy of
King Charles I was challenged by Parliament. The
ensuing civil war was to lead, ultimately, to
democracy as we now know it. Fred Holcroft, on
his third visit to us, gives members an insight
to how the Civil War of 1642-49 affected all
levels of society in our own county. Locally,
Edmund Assheton of Chadderton Hall, and William
Radclyffe of Foxdenton Hall, were staunch
royalists, and our manorial lords were to suffer
greatly for their cause.
4th November - Sea to the West.
Making her tenth visit to us, Margaret Curry
is guaranteed a very warm welcome. This evening
her illustrative talk takes us up the north?west
coast of England, commencing at Morecambe Bay in
our own county of Lancashire. Her journey
continues through Cumberland, with its unspoilt
coastline, and on to Solway, passing through an
area largely off the usual tourist
trail.However, we are assured that there is
plenty to interest the visitor - and our
members!
2nd December - Christmas Miscellany.
Here and There -Then and Now.
As we commence Advent, our thoughts turn
towards the coming festive season of Christmas,
with its many customs and traditions, some of
which we accept without asecond thought. Paying
her first visit to us is Barbara Lovegrove from
Heald Green, Stockport. Her illustrative talk
looks at a variety of these customs, both
British and mainland European, many of which
trace their origins to pre?history. The evening
ends, most appropriately, with coffee and mince
pies.
2005
7th January. - Tudor Treat
For our themed Party Night this year, on the
feast of Epiphany, we return to the era of the
Tudors, a dynasty which was, without doubt, the
most renowned in English history. Although the
five monarchs occupied the throne from only 1485
to 1603, their reigns encompassed a period of
great events and momentous changes. Member
Christine Dennis will more than satisfy our
palates with her tasty and genuine Tudor
removes, whilst appropriate music, etc. will add
atmosphere to the evening. Tudor costume - and
this can be quite simple - is encouraged but is,
by no means, obligatory.
3rd February. - Failsworth Pole
Failsworth's most notable landmark is its
'pole'. Although there is evidence of a pole,
possibly a Maypole, prior to 1793, it was in
that year that the first political symbol was
erected to "overawe the Jacobins, and to
demonstrate the Loyalty of the township, and its
hatred of Tom Paine, and all his works." To date
there have been five poles. The present one,
which surmounts a handsome brick clock tower,
was erected in 1958. Perched 54 feet
[16.1/2m] above
ground level, on top of the modern pole, is a
gilt-painted solid copper 'Cock of the North'.
Jim McMahon, Secretary of Failsworth Historical
Society, gives the reasons behind Failsworth's
Pole, and describes the various ones which have
occupied the same site during the past 212
years.
March 3rd. - Lighten Our Darkness!
Stained glass windows are surety one of the
most beautiful and richest forms of artistry.
This evening, Society members Michael Lawson and
Mark Johnson treat us to examples to be found in
the windows of Chadderton's churches, including
some by the celebrated Belgian artist
Capronnier. They also look at stained glass to
be found in some non-ecclesiastical buildings of
Chadderton. Glass can also be etched, to produce
pictures or lettering. A selection of such
images, found in the windows of local mitts,
public houses, etc., will also feature in this
illustrative talk.
April 7th. - Littleborough - Old and
New
As part of our ongoing programme to look at
other towns in Lancashire, we welcome Mark
Pearson of the Littleborough Historical Society.
In the true sense Littleborough was never a
township itself, but was situated within the
historic township of Blatchinworth with
Calderbrook. This, in turn, was one of four
townships which had been formed from
Hundersfield, a large township mentioned as
early as 1332. Local government reorganisation
in 1894, created urban district councils, and
the former Littleborough local Board took under
its authority not only the whole of
Blatchinworth and Calderbrook, but also parts of
two adjacent townships. Mark's illustrative talk
this evening considers both the history and
redevelopment of this Pennine town, which is
probably best known for Hollingworth lake.
5th May. 30th Annual General
Meeting
It was exactly thirty years ago this month
that the inaugural meeting of the Society was
held, and work of a very diverse nature has
taken place during this long period of time.
This evening members have the opportunity to
assess the progress made to date, and to put
forward any suggestions for future activities.
It also provides the occasion when members can
change, or reelect, the six trustees, and the
other committee members. All members are asked
to attend this milestone meeting which will end,
undoubtedly, with a celebratory drink!
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Society's Newsletter,
'The Griffin', is published quarterly, in
February, May, August and November. It is
available to all members, and to the general
public. Back numbers may also be found on our
website:
http: www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com
The Society meets at 7.30
p.m. at Chadderton Central Library, Middleton
Road, Chadderton, on the first Thursday of each
month unless school holidays, etc. necessitate a
change of date to the second
Thursday.
Mernbership- Annual Subscription £10.00
Visitors' donations most welcome.
|
Programme
of Events
2003 -
2004
12th June "On the Border - a
unique part of Chadderton"
The local history ramble this season takes in
part of the area known as Middleton Junction.
The construction of this railway junction in
1842, led to the formation of a large village
community, which was unusual in that it was
divided between two local authorities,
Chadderton and Middleton. To a certain extent it
possessed its own identity but, in the late
1960's, urban renewal by Chadderton Council led
to the demolition of most of its section of the
'village'. With the aid of contemporary maps,
the walk will reconstruct many of the features
of this rather unique part of Chadderton.
[Meet at the Car Park opposite the
'Railway and Linnet' for 7.30 p.m.
start.]
3rd July. - Visit to Whitworth Museum
This Museum, on North Street, is owned
by Whitworth Historical Society, which was
formed in 1973. Their first museum was housed in
part of the former Council Offices until
'generosity outweighed available space' and it
was moved to the local Methodist Church. It took
up its present premises in 1985, and relies on a
group of willing helpers for its success. The
museum, which features a large display room
packed with exhibits, also houses a splendid
reference library and large collection of
photographs. Donations welcome.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7.00
p.m. to arrange transport]
7th August. - Visit to Middleton Parish
Church
Joan Gillett takes us on a two-hour
tour of this largely 15th century church, built
by Thomas Langley, later Cardinal Bishop of
Durham. It still possesses Norman carved stones
in its tower, and splendid woodwork enriches the
building, including a 16th century chancel
screen depicting the Assheton family arms.
Members of this family are also portrayed in
what is considered the best gallery of
monumental brasses in Lancashire, whilst pride
of place is undoubtedly the 16th century
'Flodden Field' window, depicting local archers
who took part in this famous English victory
over the Scots. Donations welcome.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 6.45
p.m. for a 7.00 p.m. start in Middleton]
4th September. - "On the Move" -
Transportation in Chadderton: Part Two
In April the first part of this
illustrated talk was given. This evening,
Society members Michael Lawson and Mark Johnson,
conclude the story by looking at the changes
that have occurred to the rail system in the
past fifty years, including the proposed
Metrolink. It also considers the impact on
Chadderton of its two motorways, the A627(M)
link, and the M60. The restoration for pleasure
use of the Rochdale Canal is also described,
whilst the talk ends by looking at some unusual
transport accidents that have occurred locally,
and also at some rather bizarre modes of
transport. The talk will begin with a brief
resume of Part One, which included ancient lanes
and tracks, canals, railways, trams, and the
construction of Broadway.
2nd October . - "Monastic Churches of
Medieval England"
One of the most interesting and
poignant aspects of the English countryside is
the number of monastic ruins to be seen. For
many centuries these religious foundations,
besides being centres of prayer and study, were
also involved in a diverse range of crafts and
occupations. In addition, they provided the only
social security available to the people at
large. Brian Marshall, an expert on ancient
history and archaeology, pays his first visit to
us as he looks at the monastic churches of
medieval England, including some in our own
county of Lancashire.
6th November. - " Days in the Dales"
The delights of the Yorkshire Dales include
attractions of many kinds. Unlike some areas of
natural beauty, the mark of civilisation has
enhanced the scene rather than detracted from
it, and life in the Dales is a constant
celebration of a rich and ancient heritage. This
evening Margaret Curry makes her ninth visit to
us, and is assured of a warm welcome as she
describes, with the help of slides, some of the
history and curiosities to be found in this most
beautiful part of the country.
4th December. - "Christmas and New Year
Customs"
Raymond Rush, from Macclesfield,
returns for his second visit and is most
welcome. His accent, infectious laugh, and
unique humour, will certainly add to the
proceedings as he regales members with a whole
series of anecdotes, concerning the celebration
of two of the year's most popular festivals. He
subtitles this talk 'rites and rituals, fun and
frolic' and this description undoubtedly sums up
his approach!
2004
8th January. Annual Party: Theme
"Back to Lancashire"
Over the years we have had a wide variety of
themes for our annual party. These have ranged
from the 'Romans' to the 'Roaring Twenties'.
This year we return to our roots, so to speak,
as we celebrate the fact that we are still proud
citizens of Lancashire - a county famous
throughout the world as the place where the
Industrial Revolution provided the impetus for
Britain's 19th century prosperity and imperial
greatness. A traditional supper from our great
Red Rose County will be provided, and hopefully,
the evening will not be interrupted by any
'trouble at t'mill'. A local history fun quiz
will also take place, the first for ten years,
and members are invited to come in traditional
Lancashire costume.
5th February. - "Royton Hall"
As with Chadderton, our neighbours in
Royton have a memorable manorial history of
which they can be proud. This centred on Royton
Hall, a building of medieval origin that was
demolished in 1939, the same year as Chadderton
Hall. Only the site now remains, but interest in
this manor house was rekindled in 2001, when
Frances Stott, local librarian and historian,
had published her 'History of Royton Hall'. This
evening she provides us with a detailed account
of this former home of the Byrons, Percivals,
Pickfords, and Radcliffes, around which the town
of Royton was to develop.
4th March . - "Work Conquers
Everything"
The title of our talk this evening is
the translation of the Latin motto on
Chadderton's coat-of-arms: 'Labor Omnia Vincit'.
This motto was adopted in the early years of the
Chadderton Urban District Council, and
summarises the reason why Chadderton changed
from a rural township to a Victorian industrial
town. In 1801, the township had a population of
only 3,452 and was still under manorial control.
One hundred years later it had 24,892
inhabitants and was an important cotton-spinning
town. Although cotton was of paramount
importance, it was not Chadderton's only
industry, and this evening Society members
Michael Lawson and Mark Johnson, take an
illustrative look at the many diverse industries
which provided a livelihood for the town's
population. These include the more modern
enterprises such as Ferranti Electronics, Her
Majesty's Stationery Office and, most
prestigious of all, British Aerospace.
1st April . - Visit to Stockport Air Raid
Shelters
One of the many legacies of the Second World
War was the large number of air raid shelters.
Some were quite substantial, and capable of
accommodating many families, whilst others were
for domestic use only, and often occupied a
small plot in the garden, or back yard.
Stockport has a rather unique labyrinth of
tunnels which were cut into the red sandstone
rock, and were capable of accommodating
thousands of people for prolonged periods of
time. These tunnels now provide visitors with a
fascinating trip back in time, to experience
what it was really like sheltering from the
Blitz in 1940's wartime Britain. Admission
charge.
[Meet at Victoria Street
Car Park at 6.45 p.m. for a 7.15 p.m. start in
Stockport]
6th May. - Twenty-Ninth Annual
General Meeting
The importance of the Annual General
Meeting cannot be stressed. It provides the
opportunity for members to consider policies,
and the direction in which they would like to
see the Society go in the future. The
organisation is now twenty-nine years old and
much has been achieved over this long period of
time. It is a well respected body throughout the
metropolitan borough, and beyond, its views
being sought on a number of occasions. There
will the opportunity for open discussion and for
members to raise their own concerns. The
election of Trustees, and various officials, is
an important part of the proceedings, and all
members are asked to attend.
Top of Page
|
Programme of
Events
2002 -
2003
13th June
2002
Visit to Heptonstall and Hebden
Bridge.
The ancient village of Heptonstall sits
proudly and secure on the hillside above Hebden
Bridge, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The
village is unique and its centre is protected as
a conservation area. As members wander around
the village they can see the Old Grammar School,
the Cloth Hall and the Mechanics Institution. An
unusual feature of Heptonstall is the two
churches in one churchyard-one now in ruins. The
churchyard itself is reputed to hold 100,000
bodies! Afterwards we descend into Hebden Bridge
in the Calder Valley. Winding through the centre
of this pleasant small town are the Rochdale
Canal and the Manchester to Leeds Railway. An
optional 'Chippy Supper' seems the ideal way to
conclude our evening!
{Meet at Victoria Street Car
Park at 6.30 p.m.}.
4th July 2002
Visit to Manchester Town
Hall
Despite our regional capital being only six
miles away, this will be our Society's first
visit Alfred Waterhouse's Gothic masterpiece -
Manchester Town Hall? Work commenced on this
magnificent structure in 1868, and it was opened
officially on 13th September 1877, at a cost of
£1,000.000. Built on the irregular site of
Albert Square, the building has a striking
facade extending 88.1/2 m {290 feet} along one
side of the square. Crowning this monument to
Victorian achievement and prosperity is the
massive clock tower that rises to a height of
100 m {328 feet} above the central entrance
porch. The interior is even more awe-inspiring,
and in the imposing Great Hall are the murals
painted by Ford Madox Brown which depict the
history of the city.
{Meet at Victoria Street Car
Park at 6.30 p.m. or Lloyd Street Entrance for
7.00 p.m.}
1st August 2002
Ramble; "The Baretrees
Circular"
Most areas of Chadderton have now been
included in our local history rambles over the
years, but there are still pockets of interest
waiting to be discovered. This year the walk
commences in the Broadway /Middleton Road
Junction and proceeds along Wellington Street to
Burnley Street. From there it crosses to
Victoria Street, with its 19th century
industrial background and then follows Burnley
Lane to Broadway. Along the route are a variety
of interesting features, including Fitton Park,
named after a local councillor who gave 28 years
service to the people of Chadderton. The final
section, along Broadway, holds more history than
members may imagine. With fine weather, the walk
is sure to be as enjoyable as our many previous
ones.
{Meet at Wellington Street
Car Park, opposite St. Herbert's Church at 7.30
p.m.}
5th September 2002
Visit to Toad Lane Museum,
Rochdale
Among the many snippets of information
that the aveage adult aged over 40, is able to
recall, is the family 'Co-op Number'. Few people
have forgotten theirs, whilst thirty years ago
there was a branch of the local co-operative
society in every locality. In Chadderton there
were no less than 15 branches, but all have long
since closed, as a result of changes in shopping
patterns and facilities. The Co-operative idea
was a great innovation, and this evening a visit
is made to the home of this revolutionary
movement in Rochdale. The store in Toad Lane was
opened in 1844, and visitors can see displays of
original documents and artefacts outlining the
story of this remarkable enterprise.
[Meet at Victoria Street
Car Park at 6.30 p.m.. The visit is booked for
7.00 p.m.]
3rd October 2002
Looking Back at Stretford
Stretford, where a Roman road once crossed
the River Mersey, is probably best known as the
home to Manchester United, the Lancashire county
cricket ground, and Trafford Park industrial
estate. Like Chadderton, it was for many years
an urban district, but its prestige was enhanced
when it gained borough status in the 1930's.
This evening Bill Newton, of Stretford Local
History Society, takes us back into the history
of this township with his selection of
slides.
7th November 2002
"History of the Ancient Township
of Halliwell"
This evening we welcome Peter Nightingale,
from the Halliwell Local History Society, who
will introduce us to the history of this old
township. Halliwell formed the north east part
of the ancient Parish of Deane, and is perhaps
best known for the impressive manor house of
Smithills Hall. This was a residence of a branch
of the Radcliffe family. Part of the township
was incorporated into the Borough of Bolton in
1877, and the rest was absorbed in 1898.
5th December 2002
"Through Glass Brightly"
Margaret Curry is now an established friend
of our members, and this evening makes her
eighth visit. Stained glass windows are one of
the joys experienced when visiting any old
English churches, and an important part of our
heritage and culture. This evening Margaret
looks at the beautiful, and also unexpected, in
English stained glass windows.
2003
9th January 2003
ANNUAL PARTY: Theme "The
Edwardians"
After the Victorian era, which spanned the
greater part of the 19th century, the Edwardian
years are often overlooked. Queen Victoria's
eldest , Albert Edward, was nearly sixty years
old when he succeeded his mother in 1901, and
was to reign for only nine years. During this
time he won the affection of his people, was
known as the 'Peacemaker', and the whole period
leading up to the war in 1914, is seen as one of
stability, At a local level several of
Chadderton's public buildings were erected. One
again Society member, Christine Dennis, has
undertaken to provide an appropriate menu.
Edwardian costume is optional, but welcome.
6th February 2003
"The Busby Years" - Manchester United's
Story (Part 2)
Last 'season' we saw how Manchester United
were formed, and how they became eventually a
team of note on the international scene. In part
two of their illustrated talk, Society members
Reg Lord and Matthew Butterworth, continue their
story as they relate the events of the 1950's
including the disaster at Munich in 1958. This
is the era of Sir Matt Busby, who was to take
the club to new heights, and see Old Trafford
transformed into the present 'Theatre of Dreams'
.
6th March 2003
"Denton Hall and Medieval
Life"
Our visiting speaker this evening is Frank
Brown from Denton Local History Society. With
the aid of models of the building, he gives us
an account of the history and development of
Denton Hall. Like most manor houses, it went
through a number of changes during the
centuries, and these alterations will be fully
illustrated using the models. Frank will also
describe the life style of those who lived at
Denton Hall in the Middle Ages.
3rd April 2003
"On the Move" - Transportation in
Chadderton
The earliest roads in Chadderton were mere
tracks, but today the town is firmly placed on
the national motorway network. especially at
junction 21 of the M60,. This evening Society
members Michael Lawson, and Mark Johnson,
describe the development of our local transport
and communication system. Chadderton also had
the terminus of a branch of the Ashton Canal,
whilst the Rochdale Canal was of major
importance as it wound its way through the
western part of the township. The railways also
played a part, albeit somewhat marginally, in
Chadderton's industrial growth. Trams, buses,
motorcars, and the forthcoming Metrolink, are
also considered in this illustrated talk.
1st May 2003
Twenty-Eighth Annual General
Meeting
Alway well attended, the Annual General
Meeting provides the opportunity to consider
future policies, and the direction in which they
would like to see the Society go in future
years. Much has been achieved in the past
twenty-eight years, and the Society is well
respected organisation throughout the
metropolitan borough, and beyond. There will be
many topics open for discussion and members are
free to raise their own concerns. All members
are asked to be present at this important event
at which the election of Trustees, and various
officials, will also take place.
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Top of page
Programme of
Events
7th June 2001
Visit to Fairfield Moravian Settlement,
Droylsden.
The Moravian Church traces its origins to 1457, when
it was founded in Moravia, now part of the Czech
Republic. Its official name is Unitas Fratrum, Or Unity
of the Brethren, and it was the first to be formed during
the Reformation period, preceding Martin Luther by sixty
years. Following persecution, the Church was 'renewed' in
1727, and spread to other countries, including England. A
Moravian Church exists at: Westwood just over the
Chadderton boundary, but this evening we have a guided
tour of the historic settlement at Droylsden.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park at 7.00
p.m.1
5th July 2001
Visit to Portland Basin Museum,
Ashton-under-Lyne
The Portland Basin, refurbished and re~pened in 1999,
is the centrepiece of the Ashton Canal Warehouse, now
looking much as it did in 1834, when it was first built.
Here we have the opportunity to walk back in time and
learn about Tameside's history, whilst we experience the
lifestyle, industries, crafts, and trades of hygone ages
Call at the Bridge Inn, chat in the chippie, pop in the
grocer's, visit the doctor - discover just how times have
really changed!
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park a: 7.00
p.m.]
9th August 2001
"Broadway Central to Firwood
Park"
The local history rarnble this year commences a: the
Broadway/Middleton Road junction and proceeds down
Middleton Road as far as Ferney Field Read in the
district known as Nordens. The route then continues down
Ferney Field and along the public footpath through
Firwood Park Estate. After reaching the Rochdale Canal
the route continues to Foxdenton Lane which is followed
for a short distance until a public footpath takes us
back towards Ferney Field Farm. From there the disused
railway line is followed along the new linear park to
Hunt Lane and back to Broadway. This ramble takes in a
variety of interesting features and is sure to be as
enjoyable as our many previous local walks.
[Meet at the Car Park outside St. Herbert's Parish
Centre a: 7.30 p.m.]
6th September 2001
Visit to the Weavers' Triangle Visitor
Centre, Burnley
This evening we take a walk through the Weavers'
Triangle - a well-preserved Victorian industrial
landseape. While Chadderton was an important town in the
cotton spinning area of Lancashire, Burnley led the world
in the weaving of cotton cloth. The opportunity is
offered to examine various buildings weaving sheds,
spinning mills, warehouses, foundries, domestic buildings
and a school. See a weaver's cellar dwelling from the
turn of the l9/2Oth century, and inspect a fine
canal-side wharf, before ending the evening with tea and
biscuits in the Wharfmaster's Victorian parlour.
[Meet at Victoria Street Car Park a: 7.00 p.m.
prompt. 'l'he tour is booked for 7.45 p. m.]
4th October 2001
"History and Mystery
Walk!"
Such walks are now popular in many towns throughout
the country, and members may have taken part in them.
This year we have our very own 'ghost' walk led by our
'Man in Black'. The walk goes from the town centre
towards Busk and on to Cowhill, and returns by way of
Stockbrook. Along the way authentic tales of doom and
gloom will be recounted as members visit some of the
places where sad, tragic, and macabre happenings have
taken place in past years. A strong constitution,
together with a vivid imagination, are the order of the
night! [Meet at Victoria Street Car Park for 7.30
p.m. start. Garlic cloves not provided!]
8th November 2001
Rochdale Canal Restoration
Update
Once more we welcome Brian Holden from the Rochdale
Canal Society, who will give us the latest news on the
restoration of our local waterway. Opened in 1799-1804,
the 'Rochdale' was the first trans-Pennine canal and the
most successlul in terms of tonnage. During the 20th
century it gradually fell into dereliction and became
closed to through traffic. In recent years plans to
reopen it for its bicentenary in 2004 have gone ahead,
and in Chadderton a new lift bridge is to be constructed
this summer to carry Foxdenton Lane over the canal.
6th December 2001
"From Heathens to Red
Devils"
Our 'Red Rose' county is home to many famous soccer
clubs, but without doubt the most successful is
Manchester United. Two of our members, Reg Lord and
Matthew Butterworth, trace the historv of this
world-famous club. Our near neighbours were once even
closer when, in 1878, they were formed at Newton Heath in
north Manchester. In 1885, they turned professional,
seven years later were admitted into the Football League,
and in 1902, were renamed Manchester United! The move to
Stretford was made in 1910, and their new ground was
named Old Trafford - the present 'Theatre of Dreams' and
home to the 'Red Devils'.
Top of Page
2002
3rd January 2002
Annual Party: Theme "The Georgian
Era".
This year's party takes as its theme the Georgian
period. The accession of George I in 1714, ushered in the
Hanoverian Dynasty, and the opening of a new era in
British history. Commercial and industrial prosperity
increased but the period also produced a mental and
religious revolution. On the home scene the Hortons were
lords of the Manor and maintained their residence,
Chadderton Hall, at its most magnifcent. Once again
Society member, Christine Dennis, has undertaken to
provide a full and apprcpriate menu. Costume is
optional!
7th February 2002
"In the Steps of the
Brontes"
The Brontes were an extraordinary literary family who
came to live in Haworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire,
in 1820. All six children died from illness while young
but during their short and sad lives the three youngest
sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, were to leave the
world a priceless legacy of novels, poems, songs, and
short stories. This evening Margaret Curry, returning to
Chadderton for her seventh visit, takes us on a journey
through the area so well loved by the Brontes, and whose
history and natural beauty gave the sisters the
inspiration for their literary masterpieces.
7th March 2002
"Fairs, Feasts, and
Festivals"
Celebrations are an important part of life for most
people. In Chadderton we used to have 'Cowhill Wakes'
which was a fair held each August from 1886, to about
1960. Many of us remember well the May Day entertainments
with their homemade 'maypoles', whilst the doggelel verse
of 'cob-coalin', prior to Bonfire Time, still haunts
those of us above a certain age. This evening we welcome
fbr the first time Ray Rush fiom Macclesfield, Cheshire,
who describes some of the celebratory customs of Britain
which mark the passage of the seasons.
11th April 2002
"The Radclyffes - Family of
Distinction!"
In his 'Book of the Radclyffes' Charles Hampson makes
the statement: '"No family in England has played a more
intimate part in shaping the nation's destiny; none is
more closely interwoven with every phase of England's
history, artificers of its glory, workers in the
tradition" The family first entered into Chadderton's
history about 1367, when John de Radcliffe married the
heiress to the Manor, Margery de Chadderton, In 1454, at
the division of the Manor, Elizabeth Radcliffe married
her cousin, Robert Radcliffe of Ordsall, and they built
the first Foxdenton Hall. This evening Society members
Michael Lawson and Mark Johnson consider the influence,
locally and nationally, of the various branches of this
family.
2nd May 2002
Twenty-Seventh Annual General
Meeting
The Annual General Meeting provides the opportunity
for members to consider future policies and the way they
would like to see the Society progress in the future. We
have commenced our project to create a 'Chadderton
Heritage Centre' and this will he one of the major issues
under discussion, All members are asked to be present at
this important meeting at which the election of Trustees
and various officers will also take place.
Top of Page
PAST PROGRAMME OF EVENTS.
Year 2000 to 2001
8th June 2000
Visit to Chetham's Library,
Manchester.
Chetham's Library, founded in 1653, is the oldest
public Library in Britain. It was formed under the will
of a wealthy Manchester merchant, Humphrey Chetham
(1580-1653) who also endowed a hospital school for poor
boys - now the equally-famous Chetham's School of Music.
The Library and Hospital occupy a building dating from
1421, which was originally built as a college of priests
to serve the nearby collegiate church of St. Mary, now
Manchester Cathedral. The library holds more than 100,000
volumes of which about 60,000 date from before 1851.
There are documents dating from the 12th century, rich
collections from the 16th and 17th centuries, and a
wealth of material on the Manchester region.
{Meet at Victoria Street Car
park at 7 p.m. or Chethams Library at
7.30p.m.}
6th July 2000
Visit to Rochdale Museum Archives
Storage.
This archive storage building, which was only
opened in recent years, stands on the site of the former
Thomas Robinson milling machinery makers. The complex
comprises a number of controlled environment rooms in
which the Rochdale Museum Service stores an impressive
collection of documents, clothes and artefacts. The
archives are not normally open to the general public and
this evening's guided visit promises to be most
interesting as members browse through the various
collestions of memorabilia.
[Meet at Victoria
Street car park at 7.10 p.m.]
10th August 2000
"Nimble Nook to
Whitegate"
This month's local history ramble commences at Nimble
Nook, at one time one of the many hamlets within our
township, but now not so clearly defined. Historically it
was centred around its inn which dates back to the late
18th century and was known as the Gamekeeper, and
the Green Man, before settling for its present
name of the Sportsman. The area through which the
walk is made was developed mainly during the past
century, with parts being significantly altered in recent
years. However, there are still a number of features of
note whilst other buildings now demolished, such as
Chadderton Power Station at Slacks Valley, once added an
element of prestige, if not necessarily beauty, to this
locality.
[Meet at the Car Park
outside Gorse Bank/Foxdenton Schools at 7.30
p.m.]
7th September, 2000
"Chadderton Swimming Club and Henry
Taylor"
Chadderton Swimming Baths was opened by the
Urban District Council in 1894. The swimming club dates
from this period and throughout its history has enjoyed a
reputation for excellence. Among its many notable members
the name of Henry Taylor is perhaps the best known. His
unofficial title of "Britain's greatest -ever amateur
swimmer" is well deserved for during his career of half a
century he won numerous trophies including four Olympic
gold medals, a record long unbroken. This evening Bernard
Edge, former secretary of the club, invites us all to
share in the triumphs and tribulations of this impressive
aquatic organisation.
5th October, 2000
"Curiouser and Curiouser"
Returning for her sixth visit to Chadderton Margaret
Curry is assured of a warm welcome as always. Over the
years she has invited us to share her journeys throughout
the length and breadth of the country as she covers such
diverse topics as water mills, Derbyshire well dressings,
and Lady Anne Clifford's fight for her rightful
inheritance. This year her subject is not quite so
obvious but should be just as entertaining as we are
shown some of the oddities to be found in the English
countryside - from the unusual or bizaare, to the
downright gruesome!
9th November, 2000
"Looking Back at
Royton".
Francis Stott, community librarian at Crompton, and
local author and historian, talks about our neighbouring
town of Royton and its people - our country cousins?
While it shares with Chadderton many of the aspects of
growth associated with the Industrial Revolution and the
cotton industry, its general development was somewhat
different. The Victorian town evolved from its ancient
hamlet centered on Royton Hall, former home of the
Byrons, Percivals and Pickford-Radcliffes. By 1910, with
the erection of its public baths, Royton had all the
facilities of a small northern industrial town, and a
population that had reached 15000.
7th December, 2000
"Heraldry at Lancaster
Castle"
As the county town Lancaster held its own assize
courts and on several occasions inhabitants of
Chadderton, charged with a whole series of offences, were
taken there to await trial and verdict. The castle, a
place to be feared by many, had a special place in the
lives of the High Sheriff of Lancashire and on six
occasions between 1591 and 1775, Lords of Chadderton and
Foxdenton held this important position. At the end of his
year of office a ceremony was held at which the sheriff's
coat-of-arms was hung in the shire hall of the castle,
and the heraldic devices of our local lords may still be
seen on display. Alick Hadwen, from Preston, visits us
for the first time to give an illustrated talk on this
fascinating subject.
Top of Page
2001
4th January, 2001
Annual Party - Theme "The
Forties"
The theme of the society's annual party this year is
the nineteen-forties. The first five years of that decade
were preoccupied with the Second World War, while the
years that followed, comprised a period of austerity and
reconstruction. Whether viewed from a military or civil
perspective, the "Forties" should provide plenty of
inspiration for those members who wish to add to the
festivities by coming along in period costume. Many
thanks to Christine Dennis who once again, will be
responsible for the catering-based on Forties Food!
1st February, 2001
"Sixty Years of Spinning Yarns - Part
Two"
Ken Brough, who visited us two
years ago, continues his tales of life in the local
cotton industry. With the news of the impending closure
of Chadderton's last mill actively engaged in cotton
spinning - by a strange co-incidence named the
"Chadderton Mill" - the choice of subject seems most
appropriate. At one time the town had nearly 60 cotton
mills covering the landscape. Today only 15 of these
industrial giants survive, each bearing mute testimony to
the industry that once placed our county of Lancashire at
the centre of the world stage.
1st March, 2001
Visit by Oldham Local Studies Archive
Officer
This evening we welcome for the first time Maria
Sienkiewicz, Oldham's Archive Officer. She will give us
an insight into the resources and working of the vast
Archive Department of the Local Studies Library, and it
is planned that she will bring along several items
associated with the history of Chadderton.
5th April, 2001
"The Life and Times of Bishop William
Chadderton"
William Chadderton, who was born about 1540 at
Nuthurst in our neighbouring township of Moston, was a
direct descendant of Geoffrey de Chadderton, the first
Lord of the Manor of Chadderton and Foxdenton back in the
13th century.. Embarking on a career in the church he
held the office of Warden of Manchester Collegiate Church
(now the Cathedral) before becoming Bishop of Chester and
then of Lincoln. Society members Michael Lawson and Mark
Johnson give an illustrated account of the life of Bishop
Chadderton setting it within the wider context of the
turbulent religious changes of the sixteenth century.
3rd May, 2001
Twenty-Sixth Annual General
Meeting
All members are asked to attend this important meeting
at which the election of Trustees and Officers will take
place. The AGM provides the opportunity for members to
discuss the future direction of the Society and to put
forward their views on any aspect of the Society's
policies.
Special Visit-December 2000
Christmas Market at Skipton
On Sunday 10th December 2000, it is proposed that
Society members and friends visit the market town of
Skipton for the day. The trip will include visits to the
castle, the church and the famous Christmas market. The
visit will be by coach and interested members should
contact Christine Dennis, as soon as possible, for
further details of cost, etc.
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