Secrets of mystery crest revealed

A LOCAL group has thrown some light on a historical mystery uncovered by workmen.

A large crest was found under a stage during the refurbishment of Chadderton Town Hall. The crest was used as an unofficial coat of arms by the former Chadderton District Urban Council before it got an official one in 1955.

Chadderton Historical Society secretary Michael Lawson said the crest is etched on the town hall’s windows and carved on the facade of the former Chadderton Baths. It was also the badge of the former Chadderton Grammar School.

Mr Lawson thinks the crest discovered by the workmen may have come from the first town hall, which was replaced in 1914.

He added: “The ship on the crest is a reminder that the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, the same year the urban district council was formed, and all the benefits that it was hoped it would bring to the North-West. The ship probably also represents the Rochdale Canal, which runs through Chadderton and is linked to the ship canal.”