History? It’s all here on your doorstep

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2008 SEPTEMBER 11-14

SOME of Oldham’s most impressive buildings are throwing open their doors and welcoming visitors of all ages.

The Heritage Open Days, which run from Thursday to Sunday, are sponsored by the Civic Trust and English Heritage.

Highlights of the programme include guided tours around Alexandra Park and the Castleshaw Roman forts, and many churches will also be taking part.

Displays and exhibitions will be staged at Gallery Oldham and the local studies and archives centre, and there will be an informative walk along Union Street.

For full details, phone 0161-770 4654, visit the local history section at www.galleryoldham.org.uk or e-mail local.studies@oldham.gov.uk  

DAWN ECKERSLEY takes a look at some of the attractions on offer . . .



TAKE a guided tour around Alexandra Park which was opened in 1865 during the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War and named after Princess Alexandra, who had recently married the future Edward VII.

There is a boating lake, cafe, lodge houses, conservatory, the lion’s den, observatory, numerous statues and a children’s play area.

A £2.6 million grant has allowed the park to be restored and renovated over the past five years.

Events will be taking place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8.30pm.



THE Castleshaw Roman Forts, off Waterworks Road, near Delph, offer stunning views of the Roman road which ran between the fortresses of Chester and York. Sturdy footwear will be needed and events take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.



PUT your fears to one side to visit Chadderton Cemetery, which was opened in 1857. Anyone interested in the tour is asked to meet at the entrance on Saturday at either 10am or 2pm.

You can also explore Greenacres Cemetery on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.


VICTORIAN Gothic revival is the theme at Christ Church, Friezland. George Shaw designed the church and spire as well as most of the internal features. Visitors can look at the archives on Saturday (10am-4pm) and Sunday (noon-4pm).



THE Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Chapel Road, Hollinwood, was built in 1879 to replace a previous church. Records, stained glass windows by JB Capronnier of Brussels, vestments and artefacts will be on show and there will also be family quizzes and adventure trails. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities will take place on Thursday (10am-9pm) Friday (10am-6pm) Saturday (9am-1pm) and Sunday (10.30am-6pm).



EXPLORE the medieval past of Oldham with a talk at the local studies and archives centre, Union Street, on Thursday at 7.30pm.



FOXDENTON Hall dates back to the 1700s when it was owned by the Radcliffe family. Although it has been modified over the years the hall still retains many original features such as the panelling and oak beam ceilings. Take the tour on Sunday from 1-4pm.



VIEW old photographs of town-centre Oldham at the local studies and archives centre, Union Street, on Thursday (10am-7pm), Friday (10am-5pm) and Saturday (10am-4pm).




SEE the town centre from a different perspective on the Oldham Town Trail guided walk which will focus on buildings that are no longer standing.

The tour leaves the local studies and archives centre, Union Street, on Friday at 2pm and Saturday at 12.30pm.

A similar walk will leave the Evening Chronicle offices on Thursday and Friday at 12.30pm, and Saturday at 11am.




FORMERLY a gassing room for a cotton mill in operation from 1860 to 1930, Saddleworth Museum is a community facility displaying exhibitions focused on the history of the area.

Pay a visit on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (10am-4pm) or Sunday (noon-4pm).



ST Anne’s Church, Lydgate, was founded 1788 but was enlarged and reconstructed in the early 1900s. The building is noted for its beautiful east window and offers views across Oldham and Manchester.

Visit on Saturday (10am-noon or 2-4pm) or Sunday (8am-4pm). There will be children’s quizzes and a young singers’ workshop.



ST Mark’s Church, Blackshaw Lane, Heyside, features a restored high-beamed ceiling dating back 130 years and also has royal connections. Pay a visit on Sunday from noon-4pm.



OLDHAM Parish Church, whose current building dates back to 1830, has a crypt which is home to the grave of the Oldham giant, Joseph Scholes.

Have a look around on Friday (2-4pm) Saturday (9.30am-2pm) and Sunday (12.30-2.30pm)