New heritage trail set to celebrate Middleton’s rich history

Friday, 16 February 2024 09:50

By David Murphy

The trail will highlight heritage sites in central Middleton, including St Leonard's Church

A brand new Middleton heritage trail is being created and the team behind it are asking local residents and history enthusiasts to get involved.

The trail is being put together to celebrate the rich history of the area and people can find out more at two drop in events taking place at Middleton library, Long Street, this Saturday (17 February) from 11am to 1pm and next Wednesday (21 February) from 10am to 1pm.

Spearheaded by the council, with support from Historic England, the council’s Middleton’s Township Committee and The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the proposed trail will highlight 36 historic buildings in central Middleton. These include Alkrington Hall, the Old Grammar School, The Memorial Gardens and St Leonard’s Church, as well as the Methodist Church and Olde Boars Head in Long Street. The proposed trail also includes buildings designed by the late Middleton born architect, Edgar Wood, which were recently restored by the council as part of the Historic England supported Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The team are keen to speak to local residents to find out what they think of the sites proposed and the route, as well as hear their stories about Middleton’s history.

In addition to these events, people can book onto free tour guide training, which will be led by an accredited tour guide from Historic England. The training session will take place at Middleton library and will include a short walk covering some of the proposed sites on the heritage trail. The tour guide training session will take place on Wednesday 21 February from 2 to 5pm. Places are limited, so people should book their place in advance by emailing: ConservationAnd.Design@rochdale.gov.uk or phoning: 01706 924376.

Councillor June West, Chair of the Middleton Township, said: “Middleton has a rich and proud history and we want to really bring this out and celebrate this unique area. Anyone who is interested should come along to these fantastic events. From heritage experts to beginners and people who are just passionate about Middleton, everyone is welcome.”

The creation of the trail is part of our wider masterplan to further regenerate Middleton. Other proposals in the masterplan include improvements to the highways network and public realm, the development of the area between Eastway and Wood Street, with potential for additional housing and commercial uses, and unlocking key brownfield sites, like Warwick Mill.