The 150th Anniversary of the Victoria Cross - Three Local Heroes

War medals

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Sunday 29 January marks the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross -  the nation's highest award for valour. It was founded by Royal Warrant on 29 January 1856 to recognise the bravery of those who were then fighting the Crimean War. Since its inception the Victoria Cross has been awarded 1,355 times and amongst its recipients three are buried within the present Borough of Rochdale - Joel Halliwell in Middleton, James Clarke in Rochdale and Anthony Palmer in Heywood.

To mark this anniversary Touchstones Rochdale  will display for the first time Joel Halliwell's medals, including his VC, that have been kindly loaned by his family for the duration of the exhibition. In addition two inscribed gold pocket watches presented on behalf of the residents of Rochdale and Middleton, to James Clarke and Joel Halliwell respectively, will also be on view. Less is known about the Heywood's other hero, Anthony Palmer except that he was one of the first men to receive the award for his actions during the Crimean war. His medal currently resides in the Guards Museum in London.

Between them they encapsulate the extraordinary heroism of ordinary people from the North West in times of war. In the cases of Halliwell, who tried to enlist again at age 57 in 1939, and Clarke, who was reduced to begging on the streets of Manchester, their subsequent peace time experiences also provide a moving story.

Touchstones Rochdale is located on The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre. Entry to the centre is free. The centre is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 10am-5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm. The centre offers a museum, four art galleries, a heritage gallery, Tourist Information Centre, Café and shop with regular events and workshops. For further information ring 01706 864986 or visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/touchstones.