A new trail celebrating Middleton’s rich history is set to launch as part of the national Heritage Open Days celebration this September.
The trail covers 24 fascinating sites across the area, including the Old Grammar School, Long Street Methodist Church and the Grade I-listed St Leonard’s Church, which includes Saxon-era features.
Described in a major architectural guide as a town of ‘considerable individuality, historically important and more distinguished than most in its architecture’, Middleton’s sights have a proud history, with links to radical reformers, the famous Arts and Crafts movement, and even an LS Lowry painting.
Local volunteers, architects, councillors and council staff have carefully selected the sites to showcase the best of the area.
Places to discover include the Ye Olde Boar’s Head. Likely dating from the 16th century, the pub later became a favoured drinking establishment of the late Middleton political reformer, Sam Bamford.
Also included on the trail is St Leonard’s Church, the oldest original church in the Manchester Diocese, and a number of buildings designed by the late, Middleton born architect, Edgar Wood, who was one of the most well-known champions of the famous Arts and Crafts style.
The trail has been broken down into three separate walks and guided walks of these smaller trails will be taking place on September 14 and 15.
Led by a mixture of volunteers and trained tour guides, the walks will take place at the following locations.
Saturday, September 14
10:30am to 12:30pm (red route – Middleton’s Golden Cluster)
Meeting point – Car park by St Leonard’s Church, St Leonard’s Square, M24 6DJ
This walk will take in Middleton’s Golden Cluster of architecture and history, including Middleton’s oldest church and architectural gems designed by Edgar Wood. Walkers can find out more about the town’s links to the Jacobite rebellion and the Peterloo Massacre as part of the trail.
Saturday, September 14
2pm to 4pm (green route – Manchester Old Road and Alkrington Woods)
Meeting point – Moonraker Sculpture in Middleton Gardens, M24 4DF
This walk will take visitors from Middleton town centre, through Middleton’s parks and green spaces and onto beautiful late 19th century suburbs and stunning Palladian architecture.
Sunday, September 15
10:30am to 1pm (red route – golden cluster and Blue route – Middleton Town Centre and Market Place)
Start point – Car park by St Leonard’s Church, St Leonard’s Square, M24 6DF
In addition to the highlights of the Golden Cluster, this route will take history buffs around Middleton’s mills and town centre. Visitors will find out more about Middleton’s social history and what it would have been like to live and work in Middleton during the industrial revolution.
Councillor Sue Smith said: “As someone who knows Middleton extremely well, I’m still surprised and awed by the sheer amount of history we have here. This trail, which has been carefully put together with the support of the community who are so passionate about their area, will give people a fascinating insight into this important place, which has so many stories to uncover.
“And as Heritage Open Days is a celebration of our country’s wonderful heritage, it’s a fantastic time to launch this new trail. I would love to see people coming along and find out more about Middleton’s past.”
The development of the trail has been supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Middleton Township committee, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) and HPA Architects.
