Putting down a marker
Reporter: LEWIS JONES
Date published: 24 August 2011
THE first of a trail of blue plaques has been unveiled in Greenfield with a celebratory ceremony.
Oldham Mayor, Councillor Richard Knowles, joined members of Saddleworth Civic Trust to officially reveal the new marker which recognises the building’s historical and architectural significance.
Standing at the corner of Wellington Road and Chew Valley Road the solid-stone building is now a privately-owned home, but was once a toll house in use until 1885.
Built circa 1827, the distinctive building would have once housed a toll collector, whose job it was to charge travellers making their way along Chew Valley Road — then a turnpike road.
Organiser Meg Langton said: “We’ve visited other towns where this has been done and thought it was a great idea.
“Many people pass this every day and would have no idea that this used to be a toll house.”
A small crowd gathered around the plaque to witness chairman of the Saddleworth Parish Council Bill Cullen help formally unveil it.
It is hoped this plaque will be the first of many across the Saddleworth villages that will make up an informed walk for visitors and history enthusiasts.
Meg, who jointly arranged the scheme with fellow trust member Lorna Gartside, added: “The idea is that you could pick a leaflet up from Saddleworth Museum and then embark on a walk to take in the plaques.
“It would provide an aim and points of interest. We’re very excited the first is now up and in place.”
