Ten amazing things Oldham has given the world
13.06.2024 - 06:13
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
This year sees the Greater Manchester town of Oldham celebrate its 175th anniversary.
The Borough of Oldham first came into existence on November 1, 1849 thanks to a charter being granted earlier the same year on June 13. A formal election process took place and the town’s first ever mayor, William Jones, was appointed in December 1849.
Of course, people lived in the region now known as Oldham for thousands of years before it officially became a borough. Evidence of human presence in the region has been discovered in the form of Neolithic flint arrow-heads and workings found in Werneth and Besom Hill, dating back as far as 10,000 years ago.
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Later evidence of Roman occupation, including the remains of a Roman road, have been discovered at sites in Oldham. It's also known that Anglo Saxons occupied the territory later.
Part of the historic county of Lancashire, Oldham came to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, leading the world in textile manufacture during the 19th century. In 1974, Oldham became part of the new metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.
To celebrate Oldham's 175th year, the Manchester Evening News has made a list of 10 things Oldham has given the world. From local delicacies to world changing medical advancements, here are some of the Greater Manchester town's finest moments.
During the industrial revolution, the town of Oldham rose to become the cotton spinning capital of the world. By the second half of the 19th century, over 30% of the town's population was employed in the textile sector.
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