Heritage Open Day - Historic Court Chamber Tours at Rochdale Town Hall

The court chamber.

Date: Friday, 19 September 2025

Location: Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ

Cost: Free

Time: 2pm - 3pm

About this event

19–21 September 2025. Take a peek at the ‘other side’ of Rochdale Town Hall. Lavishly decorated and now beautifully restored, the Historic Court Chamber has more than a few stories to tell.

Away from the high status Mayoral rooms and Great Hall, the Court Chamber was where 2 very different worlds collided. Here the wealthy Magistrates of Rochdale sat in judgement over opportunistic petty criminals and hardened habitual offenders.

Hear the stories of the accused and the accusers, discover what drove ordinary Rochdalians into a life of crime and find out what lay in store for them beyond the courtroom.

Originally a courtroom and now the Council Chamber, it has been preserved for future generations as part of the recent redevelopment project.

Disclaimer

Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent or guardian before taking part in any event or activity.

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