Exploring Oldham’s heritage as the “cotton-spinning capital of the world.

Come to one or both parts.

Meeting in King Street at the Tram station (OL8 1EU)  at 10.15 for 11.00.

We will see the Greek-revival Oldham Town Hall (1841, J. Butterworth; extended 1879-80, G. Woodhouse and E. Potts), Oldham Parish Church (1823-27, R. Lane), George Street Chapel (1816), Oldham Lyceum and Art School (1856 and 1881) and the Hilton Arcade (1883). We will also see work by Edgar Wood, Alfred Waterhouse and a stained glass roof by just-knighted Oldham artist Sir Brian Clarke. The walk will finish at Gallery Oldham (OL1 1AL), where we will examine the 360-degree Oldham Panorama (1879).

Lunch (around 1.15) can be taken at one of the numerous cafes around Parliament Square, or in the Alexandra Park Café.

For Alexandra Park at 2.30 pm, meet at Oldham Central Tram Station at 2.15. There are public toilets here. This magnificent Victorian town park was built by the people of Oldham during the cotton famine, sparked by the American Civil war. Now registered Grade II* it opened in 1865 and we will see its restored features, listed monuments and structures and well-maintained planting.The walk will end around 4.00, and for those that wish Steve will lead you back to Oldham Central Tram Station. We will have some excellent and detailed notes from Steve for those who book, also travel directions.

Steve Roman is a Trustee of the The Victorian Society and currently Chair of the Manchester Group.

Tickets: £5 for one, £8 both. 11.00-4.00

Date: April 27th, 2024
Time: 10.15 for 11.00
Venue: King Street at the Tram station (OL8 1EU) - View on map
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