Oldham

Oldham is a town in Greater Manchester, England, and is part of the metropolitan borough of Oldham. It is about 8 miles east-southeast of Manchester city centre, and lies in the foothills of the Pennines.

One of the earliest townships in the area, it grew up around the fording point of the Irk and Medlock rivers. Oldham’s first cotton mill was built in 1784. Oldham became a centre of textile production during the Industrial Revolution.

The town was also home to engineering firms including Brook Motors and Clarke Chapman. The first tram service in Britain ran between Oldham and Manchester in 1873.

Oldham is home to two professional football clubs, Oldham Athletic A.F.C. and FC United of Manchester, both clubs play at Boundary Park Stadium.

There are several places of interest in Oldham, these include

Oldham Museum – located on Union Street in the town centre, it tells the story of Oldham from its prehistoric origins to the present day

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens – situated off Lees Road, the gardens were opened in 2002 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

The Crown Point Mill – located on Crown Point Road near to Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens, the mill is now home to flats and office space

The Spindles Shopping Centre – located on Market Street in the town centre, it features over 70 shops

Crompton Parkinson Museum – located on Park Road in Shaw near to Crompton Park, it tells the story of Crompton Parkinson Ltd., one of Oldham’s most famous engineering firms.