Heywood comes together in honour of famous architect and Flight Commander Henry Hill

Dignitaries gather at Henry Hill Close at the street unveiling service

Famous Flight Commander and renowned architect Henry Hill had a Heywood road named in his honour at a special street unveiling service.

Local councillors, Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes, Mayor Ian Duckworth, Father Paul Daly, and the Armed Forces community came together to unveil the signs to Henry Hill Close, off Mary Street.

It was a poignant service, held 100 years to the day since Henry was killed in action while undertaking a night mission behind enemy lines on 21 October 1917.

He left behind a lasting legacy, with Heywood’s St Joseph’s Church amongst the many fine buildings he helped design, as one of the country’s leading architects.

The beautifully crafted street signs, funded by the council, will ensure Henry’s name lives on through future generations.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, council lead member for the Armed Forces, said: “It was a moving service in honour of a brave man who contributed so much during his tragically short life. The Heywood community really came together to mark the occasion and I would like to thank everyone who came to the service.

"Henry’s spirit lives on and he continues to be held in great affection as a brave Wing Commander and revered architect. We will remember him.”

Liz McInnes said: “This was an especially poignant service given that it marked the 100th anniversary of Henry’s death. He has left a tremendous legacy, not just in his brave and selfless service in battle but as one of Britain’s leading architects, with Heywood’s St Joseph’s Church among the many outstanding buildings he helped to create.

"My thanks go to Rochdale Council for funding the stunning street signs, and particularly to Councillor Alan McCarthy, council lead member for the Armed Forces.”

The street unveiling service took place at the Guinness Partnership housing development off Mary Street.