Gracie Fields memorial stone reinstated on Molesworth Street

Councillor Janet Emsley at the memorial stone with Councillor Richard Farnell

A memorial stone dedicated to the late Rochdale singer, actress and comedian, Gracie Fields, is on display once again at her birthplace in Molesworth Street.

The stone, which marked Gracie’s birth above a fish and chip shop at the site in 1898, was moved in late 2014 to accommodate a road widening scheme.

It has now been re-installed at the site, following cleaning and restoration by professional stonemasons.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Gracie was a major star, who went on to achieve international fame, but until recently, there was virtually nothing marking this success here in her hometown.

“I am proud to say that we now have a splendid statue and our very own Gracie Fields purple plaque trail, which marks local places of significance to Gracie’s story. This stone, which has been lovingly restored, is the final piece in that jigsaw, and reminds us where it all began.”