750 years of Heywood celebrated with new History of Heywood book installation

Date published: 03 February 2020

A special book commemorating 750 years of Heywood has been unveiled in the town on Saturday (1 February).

The unveiling of the History of Heywood Book took place next to the grade-two listed Heywood Library with the Mayor of Rochdale, Billy Sheerin, MP Chris Clarkson, Heywood Township councillors and members of the Heywood Veterans Association and community in attendance.

Highlighting events over the last 750 years to present day, The History of Heywood stands over two-metres high and three-metres wide and was manufactured by Isaac Butterworths Ltd of Rochdale, with the design and print being created by Bamford Print Ltd of Heywood.  

In 2017, historian Chris Dawson made a suggestion that the town could undertake a project to commemorate the 750th Anniversary of the legal creation of Heywood following the signing of the charter in which Adam de Bury granted land to Peter de Heywood.

Councillor Alan McCarthy conducted research and put forward the History of Heywood Book project, which received full support from Heywood Township Committee, to celebrate this historical milestone in a significant manner and to generate civic pride.

Chris Clarkson, MP for Heywood and Middleton, said: "It's a real privilege to be asked to unveil this amazing book charting Heywood's vibrant history.

“There's a lot to be proud of in Heywood and that's why I'm especially pleased to see the book was designed and made by local businesses."

Heywood Township Chair, Councillor Peter Rush said: “I am so proud to be part of such a magnificent project and thank the public for their attendance and positive feedback.”

Councillor and history teacher Liam O’Rourke added: “People across the country are proud of where they come from, but Heywood has taken it a massive leap further with this marvellous monument to our shared history which is something we can all be rightly proud of.”