Rochdale
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Rochdale from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Rochdale's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Hopwood Hall
Rochdale
Hopwood Hall is a significant historic house featuring C16 timber framing, with notable architectural elements from the C17 to C20, including a quadrangular plan, carved oak interiors, and...
Falinge Park
Rochdale
Falinge Park, a 20th-century public park in Rochdale, was originally a private estate designed by Thomas Mawson.
Church of St Peter, St Peters Street, Rochdale
Rochdale
Church. 1868-1871. By James Medland and Henry Taylor. Polygonal sandstone rubble with orange brick, and blue and green slate roofs.
Falinge Park Hall Facade and Pavilions
Rochdale
Falinge Park Hall facade and pavilions, dating from the late 18th century, feature Ionic porches, ashlar construction, and intricate architectural details, now part of a public park.
Broadfield Park
Rochdale
Broadfield Park is a public park south of Rochdale Town Hall, designed by Stansfield and Sons in the 1870s, featuring formal gardens, terraces, and historic memorials.
Alkrington Hall
Middleton
Alkrington Hall, designed by Giacomo Leoni in 1735-6 for Darcy Lever, showcases classical style and remains an important example of Leoni's work in North-West England.
Roman Catholic Church of St Joseph and Presbytery
Heywood
Roman Catholic church and presbytery. 1913-16 by Henry Oswald Hill (d.1917).
Church of St Mary-in-the-Baum, St Mary's Gate, Rochdale
Rochdale
Parish church. 1909-11 by Ninian Comper. Brick with Alderley sandstone dressings and tile roofs. Interior faced in Alderley ashlar stone.
Institute for the Deaf, 23 Church Lane, Rochdale
Rochdale
Deaf Institute. 1907 by architects' practice S Butterworth and W H Duncan of Rochdale. Pale, mottled Manchester bricks with red Huncoat brick and red St Bees sandstone dressings, slate roof.
Lever Bridge
Rochdale
Lever Bridge, a 17th-century stone bridge over the River Irk, was expanded in 1733 by Darcy Lever and features stones inscribed with historic dates and initials.
Tonge Hall
Middleton
Tonge Hall is a late 16th-century timber-framed house with notable quatrefoil paneling and intricate interior features, including a spiral oak staircase and 17th-century paneling.
Crimble Mill: spinning mill, attached engine house and fi…
Rochdale
Cotton spinning mill, later a woollen mill. Built around 1825 for Charles Stott.
Former Union Bank of Manchester, Heywood
Heywood
Former Union Bank of Manchester bank, 1909 to designs by J D and S J Mould of Bury and London in Edwardian Baroque style. The modern rear brick extension is of limited interest.
Former Union Bank of Manchester, 5 South Parade
Rochdale
Former bank building, now bar premises, offices and residential accommodation. c1906-7 by Manchester architects' practice Moulds and Porritt.
Market Cross
Rochdale
The Market Cross in Saint Chad's Gardens features an 18th-century stone base with a tall shaft and a modern cornice and ball finial.
Long Street Methodist Church Long Street Methodist Sunday…
Middleton
The Long Street Methodist Church and Sunday School, designed by Edgar Wood in 1899, showcases Free Gothic style with Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau elements.
Royal Bank of Scotland
Middleton
The Royal Bank of Scotland, originally the Manchester and Salford Bank, was built in 1892 by Edgar Wood, showcasing Art Nouveau influences in both exterior and interior designs.
The Former Oldham Joint Stock Bank, now HSBC
Rochdale
Bank. 1895, architect unknown. Ashlar sandstone, pink granite, slate roofs. Neo-classical style.
Rochdale Museum, The Old Vicarage
Rochdale
Rochdale Museum, once the Old Vicarage, is a historic building from the 18th and early 19th centuries with notable architecture and ties to Samuel Dunster.
17 Milnrow Road
Rochdale
House and domestic workshop, early C19 (built prior to 1824). Alterations of the ground floor to a shop in the late C19.
Rochdale Cemetery
Rochdale
A public cemetery designed by Abraham Stansfield, opened in 1855 and extended in the late-C19 and C20.
War Memorial, Perimeter Walls and Loggia, Garden of Remem…
Middleton
War memorial and perimeter walls and loggia of Garden of Remembrance. 1927 and c1945. Sandstone, orange brick, slate.
32, 34 and 36, Falinge Fold
Rochdale
32, 34, and 36 Falinge Fold is a mid-17th-century house and byre, now two cottages, with significant brick additions around 1800.
Milnrow Carnegie Library and forecourt wall
Milnrow
Public library and forecourt wall. 1907 by architects' practice S Butterworth and WH Duncan of Rochdale. Sandstone ashlar, red brick to secondary elevations, slate roofs.
Railway Viaduct
Littleborough
The Railway Viaduct in Littleborough, designed by G. Stephenson in 1839, is a significant townscape landmark with six elliptical arches and distinct architectural features.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Littleborough
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Littleborough, rebuilt between 1818-1820, showcases Perpendicular style with notable features like a central tower and detailed stained glass.
Barn Immediately North of Nos. 1 and 3
Rochdale
An early 19th-century barn with distinctive architectural features, adds group value near Whittaker Fold.
St John's Church War Memorial, Smallbridge
Rochdale
First World War memorial, approx 1920, with Second World War additions.
Railway Warehouse and Loading Shed, Old Goods Yard
Heywood
Railway warehouse and loading shed built c1841-3. On Heywood branch line by Thomas Gooch for the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company.
Former Post Office, corner of Packer Street and Fleece St…
Rochdale
A former post office built in 1875 by James Williams, later serving as a county court and now a public house, featuring classical and Italianate architectural elements.
Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist
Rochdale
Roman Catholic church. Original design pre-1917 by Oswald Hill (d.1917), executed in 1923-25 by Ernest Bower Norris of Manchester architects' practice Hill, Sandy and Norris.
Healey Hall
Rochdale
Built in 1774, Healey Hall features Roman Doric columns, a triangular pediment, and original windows. It showcases elegant mid-19th-century plasterwork inside.
Church of All Saints and Martyrs, Langley
Middleton
Church, chapel and church hall, 1963-1964 designed by Albert Hilton Walker of Leach, Rhodes & Walker of Manchester. The Langley Cross was designed by Geoffrey Clarke.
The Rake Inn
Littleborough
The Rake Inn, a former public house dated 1690, features hammer-dressed stone, a slate roof, and a T-shaped plan, with notable architectural elements including chamfered beams and mullioned...
Windy Bank
Littleborough
Windy Bank is a Grade II* listed stone house with origins possibly in the early 16th century, featuring rare timber-framed elements and significant historical architecture.
Explore more
Search for more listed places in RochdaleRochdale through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Rochdale changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Rochdale
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Rochdale
Town Hall Square, Rochdale, 1926
Rochdale
The town centre, Rochdale, 1949
Castleton
Linden and Bluepits Cotton Mills, Castleton, 1926
Castleton
Whipp and Bourne Ltd Electrical Engineering Works and environs, Castleton, 1947
Castleton
Courtaulds Ltd Arrow Mill, Castleton, 1948
Castleton
Courtaulds Ltd Arrow Mill, Castleton, 1948
Littleborough
The town centre, Littleborough, 1925
Littleborough
Hare Hill Road and the town centre, Littleborough, 1926
Middleton
The Cromer Cotton Mill and environs, Middleton, 1926
Middleton
Cromer Ring Cotton Mill, Middleton, 1952
Rochdale in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Rochdale's past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Lower Place, Rochdale, Rochdale
Date created: 1966 - 1974
A view from the junction of Oldham Road looking west along William Henry Street towards Trinity Methodist Church with numbers 1, 3 and 5 in the...
John Laing Collection
Darnhill, Heywood, Rochdale
Date created: 31 Aug 1964
A woman with a child pushing a pram on a housing estate in Heywood, with recently completed multi-storey blocks of 'Sectra' flats in the background
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Middleton, Rochdale
Date created: 1900 - 1930
EXTERIOR VIEW
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Rochdale
Date created: 1966 - 1974
Rochdale Railway Station viewed from the junction of Maclure Road and Lower Tweedale Street
John Laing Collection
Darnhill, Heywood, Rochdale
Date created: 16 Jul 1963
The living and dining room in the 'Sectra' show flat at Heywood, seen from the dining table
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Rochdale
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS THE MEMORIAL GARDENS TOWARDS THE TOWN HALL
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Rochdale
Date created: 1966 - 1974
The Dowling Street elevation of St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
John Laing Collection
Darnhill, Heywood, Rochdale
Date created: 15 Jul 1963
Kitchen units and a gas cooker in the kitchen of the 'Sectra' show flat at Heywood
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Balderstone Park, Rochdale, Rochdale
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS THE PARK TOWARDS CIVIC STATUE AND BANDSTAND
John Laing Collection
Darnhill, Heywood, Rochdale
Date created: 16 Jul 1963
Prefabricated units being unloaded from a lorry during the construction of a multi-storey block of 'Sectra' flats in Heywood
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Norden, Rochdale, Rochdale
Date created: 1900 - 1930
VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE HOUSE FROM THE DOROTHY ARCH IN THE TEA GARDENS
John Laing Collection
Darnhill, Heywood, Rochdale
Date created: 31 Aug 1964
A woman walking with a child in a pushchair, past four recently completed multi-storey blocks of 'Sectra' flats in Heywood
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Rochdale. Skip this section and go to education
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Upgraded to Grade I Listed Status
Mentions Former Chapel at Hopwood Hall College
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral upgraded to Grade I status for its iconic modern design and historic architectural significance.
Where to Find Byzantine Architecture in England
Mentions Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist
Byzantium made an unexpected mark in the 19th-century as part of a mini-revival across Europe. Here’s where you can find examples in England.
Mentions Rochdale
Join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb as she explores the great Georgian Piece Hall in Halifax, a small thatched pub in Cornwall, which has been brewing its own...
Yorkshire's great piazza, a Cornish pub and the Rochdale Pioneers' shop
Join Dr Suzannah Lipscomb as she explores the great Georgian Piece Hall in Halifax, a small thatched pub in Cornwall, which has been brewing its own ales for many years, and the shop in Rochdale known as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement. The 100 places featured in this series have been nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges. Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places is a Historic England podcast, sponsored by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical ecclesiastical.com
Mentions Rochdale
For more videos on the restoration of Hopwood Hall, visit @HopwoodXIV. Read below for information on how to get into heritage skills!
Rescuing an Abandoned English Manor House with Hopwood DePree
For more videos on the restoration of Hopwood Hall, visit @HopwoodXIV. Read below for information on how to get into heritage skills!
Mentions Rochdale
Hopwood Hall is a magnificent Grade II* listed historic house in Middleton, Greater Manchester.
Restoring Hopwood Hall with Hopwood DePree
Hopwood Hall is a magnificent Grade II* listed historic house in Middleton, Greater Manchester. In 2021, Hollywood actor and author Hopwood DePree took on restoring his ancestral home along with Rochdale Council and a mighty team of local volunteers.
Newstead Abbey, Once Home to Lord Byron, Given £103,000 Historic England Grant to Save It for Future Generations
Mentions Rochdale
Historic England has awarded a grant of £103,000 for repairs at Newstead Abbey, the former home Lord Byron.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Upgraded to Grade I Listed Status
Mentions Former Chapel at Hopwood Hall College
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral upgraded to Grade I status for its iconic modern design and historic architectural significance.
Funding for Young People to Explore and Celebrate Their Local History
Mentions Rochdale
Historic England has announced new funding for 21 creative youth-led place-marking projects across England.
Investigating the Built Environment in Lancashire’s Historic Textile Areas
Mentions Rochdale
Exploring the local infrastructure that underpinned the industrial revolution.
Heritage Place-making and Co-operative Connections in Central Rochdale
Mentions Rochdale
New research is supporting the Rochdale Heritage Action Zone initiative.
Weston-super-Mare: a Victorian Seaside Town
Mentions Rochdale
Research into the historic buildings of Weston-super-Mare from the Victorian period onward.
Uncovering Digbeth's heritage
Mentions Rochdale
New Historic England research highlights the threatened special character of Digbeth, an inner-city area in Birmingham
Introduction to Issue 14
Mentions Rochdale
Find out how Historic England's recent place-based research projects are contributing to understanding local heritage and sustsainable regeneration.
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions Former Union Bank of Manchester, Heywood, Rochdale
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
Historic England Announces New Listings to Celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Mentions Pair of county boundary markers sited where the M62 crosses between Lancashire and Yorkshire
Listings of places which reflect the important social, technical and cultural changes which have taken place over the 70 years of Her Majesty's reign.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions Church of All Saints and Martyrs, Langley, Rochdale
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Rochdale
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Rochdale's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
A postcars showing the Memorial Gardens and the Town Hall built in Gothic style.
Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Tonge Hall, William Street, Middleton, Greater Manchester
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This ornate timber framed house was built in the 1580s by Christopher Tonge.
Tonge Hall, William Street, Middleton, Greater Manchester
Queen Elizabeth Old Grammar School, Boarshaw Row, Middleton, Greater Manchester
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This school building dates from 1586.
Queen Elizabeth Old Grammar School, Boarshaw Row, Middleton, Greater Manchester
Littleborough, Greater Manchester
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
The photographer, J M Prest, was interested in industrial buildings and domestic buildings with upper storey workshops.
Littleborough, Greater Manchester
Glover Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A row of partially demolished houses with upper storey workshops.
Glover Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Crimble Mill, Crimble Lane, Heywood, Greater Manchester
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This cotton mill was built in c1829 for Charles Stott.
Crimble Mill, Crimble Lane, Heywood, Greater Manchester
Clegg Hall Cottages, Clegg Hall Road, Milnrow, Greater Manchester
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This row of 4 cottages were originally 8 back-to-back workers cottages. They were built in the late 18th/early 19th century.
Clegg Hall Cottages, Clegg Hall Road, Milnrow, Greater Manchester
Butterworth Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A row of derelict houses with first and second floor workshops.
Butterworth Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
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