Local history

Rochdale borough's history and heritage

Learn about the history of Rochdale borough.

About the area
Historical records and photographs.

School records

Contact an exam board to get a replacement exam certificate or certified statement of results.

Get a replacement exam certificate
Searching the internet for e-learning tools and certificates.

Local history

Rochdale Town Hall.
Rochdale Town Hall is a building of national importance, and one of the finest Victorian town halls in the UK.
Exterior of the Olde Boar's Head in Middleton.
Dating back to the late 16th century, the fascinating half-timbered Olde Boar's Head in Middleton is still a popular pub.
A steam train at the East Lancashire Railway station in Heywood.
East Lancashire Railway, Heywood.
A canal boat on the Rochdale Canal at Littleborough.
The Rochdale Canal, seen here at Littleborough, opened in 1804.
Front view of Middleton Library.
Middleton Library, Middleton.
Fire Station Museum
Fire Station Museum, Rochdale.
St Luke's Church in Heywood.
The most architecturally important building in Heywood, St Luke's Church was consecrated in 1862.
Exterior of Ellenroad Engine House.
Built in 1892 on the banks of the River Beal, the Ellenroad cotton mill is home to the largest surviving, spinning-mill steam engine.
Replica banner in Middleton Library.
This banner hanging in Middleton Library is a replica of the one carried at Peterloo by Sam Bamford and his companions.

In the area

  • Fountain at Queens Park.

    Parks and open spaces

    The borough boasts many parks and open spaces. Some have been given the prestigious Green Flag Award.

  • Artist impression of new build flats.

    Improving the borough

    We're working hard to make the borough a better place for residents, visitors and businesses.

  • Crowds at the Rochdale Feel Good Festival watching an act on the main stage.

    Events and activities

    See the events taking place across the borough, from festivals to sports.

Decision making

  • cartoon image of people with a giant filing system

    Policies, strategies and reviews

    We use policy and strategy documents to guide our decisions. We also use them to develop and run our services fairly and consistently.

  • Graphic representing councillor profiles linked together.

    Councillors and committees

    Councillors are responsible for agreeing provision of services and how the council's money is spent.