Edgar Wood: Home of famous Middleton architect restored to its former glory

Redcroft - home of Edgar Wood restored

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One of Middleton’s most important historic buildings has been given a makeover, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Rochdale Borough Council.

Grade II-listed Redcroft on Rochdale Road once belonged to internationally renowned architect J Edgar Wood, one of Middleton’s most famous sons and the creator of many of the stunning heritage buildings in the town.

The project is part of the Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), which has seen Rochdale Borough Council use a £1.9m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore a number of historic buildings in the Middleton Town Centre Conservation area, with a particular emphasis on Edgar Wood designed buildings.

The property has been given a full external restoration, including roof repairs, re-rendering, replacement windows and works to the boundary wall, to faithfully restore the Edgar Wood features which have disappeared over time.

The THI, which started in 2011, has also included projects such as the renovation of Middleton Library and the repaving of Middleton Gardens. The money also funded improvements to the old burial ground at St Leonard’s Parish Church, including restoration of the memorial dedicated to Middleton born radical and writer Sam Bamford.

Edgar Wood, who designed Redcroft in 1891 and lived in it until 1916, gained a considerable reputation and was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, an architectural style which celebrated traditional forms of craftsmanship which people feared would be lost as a result of the industrial revolution.

Councillor June West, Chairwoman of the Middleton Township and member of the THI board, said: “Restoring the house of the very man who was responsible for much of Middleton’s beautiful heritage is an important milestone for the THI.

"I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to our next projects, which include more work in Jubilee Park and restoration of the Long Street School.”

Christine Grimes, from the Edgar Wood Society, said: “The Edgar Wood Society is very pleased to see Edgar Wood's home restored to its former glory. It is a great achievement by everyone involved.”