After
recently celebrating 150 years of municipal status and
heading into the new Millennium, Oldham is experiencing
a period of renewal and economic regeneration
that has parallels with the way the Borough developed
during the latter half of the 19th century, when it
enjoyed a phase of remarkable growth.
Although Oldham's
existence can be traced back to the 11th century, it
was the Industrial Revolution and cotton in particular
that laid the foundations for the town's prosperity.
By the end of the
19th century Oldham was recognised as nothing less than
the greatest cotton spinning town in the world.
In the centre
of the town is Tommyfield, in years gone by famous for
fairs, side-shows and circuses and a rallying point
for mass political meetings. The name derives from Tommy's-Field,
a meadow which was rented by pig breeder Tommy Whittaker.
Today it is home to one of the largest outdoor permanent
markets in the north of England.
Oldham
in 1879, part of Mr Knott's famous panorama of Oldham
The Town
Square in Oldham today
Much of
Oldham's town centre architecture is Victorian.
The original Town Hall, with its impressive facade,
was built in 1841. It was from the Town Hall steps that
Sir Winston Churchill made his inaugural acceptance
speech when he was first elected as a Conservative MP
in 1900.
In 1999 Oldham celebrated 150 years
of municipal status and democratic heritage. A wide
variety of events not only highlighted the achievements
of the area and its people past and present, but also
looked forward to exciting developments as the new Millennium
dawned.
The ongoing regeneration and
redevelopment of the Borough ensures that future generations
living and working in Oldham will have as much to be
proud of in their town as anybody has had at any time
in its rich and vibrant history.
