The Gracie trail continues – St Chad’s Church bears latest plaque

The Mayor, Councillor Surinder Biant and Paul Bollington from St Chad's Church

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St Chad’s Church is the latest location in the Gracie Fields trail, as the most recent plaque was unveiled yesterday (Thursday 21 April).

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Surinder and Cecile Biant, met with the church secretary and other members on the church grounds to uncover the plaque on the outside wall.

St Chad’s was chosen because Gracie was baptised there in 1898 and her parents were married there the year before, making it a significant memoir of her life.

Revd Mark Coleman said: “I am delighted that St Chad's Church is on the Gracie Fields trail and urge everyone to have a look at the plaque, and better still to pause and go into the church and see the font where Gracie Fields was christened all those years ago.”

The first plaque was unveiled in January in Molesworth Street, where Gracie was born 118 years ago. The building has now been demolished, but visitors can see the plaque nearby.

The completion of the trail, expected in the summer, will coincide with the erection of a bronze statue of the late singer, actress and comedienne close to the town hall, which was the focal point of her many return visits to Rochdale.

The creation of the trail comes at a time of heightened interest in Gracie, who was rumoured to be the highest paid actress in the world in the 1930s.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Gracie Fields was a real Rochdale success story who enjoyed worldwide success at the height of her career.

"Although, she was made a freeman of our borough in 1937 and she opened the Gracie Fields theatre in 1979, we feel it’s only fitting that we recognise her contribution with a permanent tribute. She’s an important part of our heritage and I want all our residents and visitors to be able to celebrate that.”