DISCOVER MORE about Saddleworth and Oldham’s fascinating history during Heritage Open Days and events from September 4-23.
The events offer a great chance to find out more about local people, places, buildings and stories, and range from talks to walks across the area.
In Delph, enjoy a guided tour of the Castleshaw Roman Forts, once a Roman fort on the Chester to York military road. Tours include findings from the latest excavations in 2014 and 2016.
Meet in the car park outside the centre. No dogs allowed. Saturday, September 9 and Sunday 10, 1.30–3.15pm, no booking required.
In Dobcross, Holy Trinity Church, on Woods Lane, is openings its doors on Thursday, September 7 – Sunday September 10 from 10am-4pm.
Built in 1787 this Grade II listed ‘Pennine Auditory’ Chapel contains fine original examples of box-pews.
Please note on Sun 10 Sept the church is open for quiet reflection and prayer with church service from 10.30am-11.45am.
Elsewhere, Christ Church, Friezland, is also open to the public on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday 10 from 12noon-4pm.
Explore this Grade II listed Victorian Gothic Revival church with spire designed by local architect George Shaw. Church records free to view.
St. Thomas Church, Lees is hosting an Open Day to show off its special features including war memorials, box pews and bell tower on Saturday, September 9 from 10am-4pm.
Includes a guided tour of stained glass windows by Belgian artist Jean Baptiste Capronnier at 2.30pm.
Or find out more about St Chad’s Church, Uppermill, where there has been a place of worship on the site since 1215AD.
The church will be open on Friday, September 8 and Saturday 9 from 10am-4pm, and Sunday 10 from 1-5pm, (also a service at 11am and concert by Mike Hindson and the Rock Choir at 6pm, £5).
Peruse through parish registers, graveyard walks and exhibitions and there will also be
displays of the colourful Rushcart banners.
There will be tours of the ringing room with the tower captain on Saturday from 12.30pm-4pm and Sunday from 2.30pm-5pm.
At Saddleworth Museum, in Uppermill, uncover the fascinating story of the people who have created Saddleworth’s unique landscape and character. Open Friday, September 8 and Saturday 9 from 1–4pm.
Meanwhile, Saddleworth Historical Society is hosting a talk on John Dee and Elizabethan Lancashire by Dr Stephen Bowd on Wednesday, September 13 at 7.30pm, at Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill. Free for members, £3 charge on the night for non-members.
There is also a host of events taking place across Oldham, including talks, a historic map tour, a stained glass tour, and a ghost walk.
And elsewhere, the newly decorated Salem Moravian Church is throwing open its doors on Saturday, September 9 from 10am-12noon.
Salem, whose original church was founded in 1827, is opening its hall for an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia.
Salem’s monthly coffee morning also takes place on the same day (10.30am-12.30pm) together with a book sale and Traidcraft Stall.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “Once again we’ve organised an excellent free programme of events which gives visitors the chance to get a behind the scenes glimpse of buildings or areas not usually open to the public.
“We have some wonderful buildings in Oldham, including a number of lesser known gems which are well worth a visit. I would urge residents to take advantage of this once a year opportunity and get involved in some unique and interesting activities.”
Find all the details online: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/heritageopendays or contact Oldham Local Studies and Archives to book your place: call 0161 770 4654 or email: archives@oldham.gov.uk
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