Religious diversity is a feature of Heritage Open Days

Golden Mosque Rochdale

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The architecture and cultural heritage of the Rochdale Borough will be on display this weekend for Heritage Open Days and there is perhaps no better example to be found than in the churches and places of worship, past and present, that will be opening their doors for this national free festival which runs from 11 to 14 September.

With buildings of many different ages, styles and form of worship it is a showcase of the richness and diversity of the Rochdale borough’s communities and explores not only its religious heritage but also its political and economic background as it changed and grew over the centuries.

Julian Jefferson, Head of Arts and Heritage at Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust, which co-ordinates the Heritage Open Days programme locally said. “Twenty four different places of worship are taking part this year, with different faiths and denominations represented. The style and age of the buildings are as diverse and interesting as the communities they represent and Rochdale has some real architectural gems that will be open this weekend and free to explore.”

Four architecturally very different participants in Rochdale town centre are all easily within walking distance of each other. Rochdale’s Parish Church of St Chad with its important Edward Byrne-Jones stained glass has stood on the hill overlooking the town for over 1000 years. The dome of the St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, opposite the new Metro station at Rochdale railway station, is another landmark on the skyline of Rochdale town centre and its splendid sanctuary mosaic featuring Christ the King was completed in the 1930s. The hidden gem of St Mary in the Baum is a rare example of the work of Sir Ninian Comper and is the only remaining example of his work in the north of England. A short distance away in the Spotland area of Rochdale is the newly built Golden Mosque. Built over three floors, tours of this Islamic Cultural Centre include displays of books and arts.

Other highlights include the borough’s many important Grade II listed buildings taking part. Spotland Methodist Chapel is the only remaining chapel of its kind in the area in its original form and its fine Binns organ will play during the weekend. St Aiden’s Church in Sudden is a fine example of the work of architect Temple Moore in the early English style. St Edmund’s Church in Falinge has strong Masonic symbolism and stewards will offer tours of this recently restored church. A trip to St James Church in Ashworth will find the church on top of an attractive hillside where you can see Jodrell Bank on a clear day.

Yet more Grade II listed churches taking part include All Saints Church, Hamer and Bamford Chapel United Reformed Church, both dating back to the 1800s. The former Baptist Church of Horse Carrs was the home of silk mill manufacturer Thomas Watson, a well-known benefactor to the town of Rochdale.

Heywood’s Parish Church of St Luke’s is a showcase of Victorian art featuring stonework, tiling and wrought iron. Guides will take visitors around the church of this Grade II listed building that dates back to 1862 with the chance to ring the chapel bell.

St Leonard’s Parish Church in Middleton is a Grade I listed building famous for its early Norman carvings and columns and is one of the only wooden steepled churches remaining in the country. Long Street Methodist Church, built in 1900 by the foremost Arts and Crafts architect of the area, Edgar Wood, is another of Middleton’s outstanding Grade II listed buildings and is now the home of the Edgar Wood Centre. Three more Middleton’s churches will also be taking part including Holy Trinity Church on Archer Park. Its unique war memorial in the church features celebrated son, Joel Halliwell VC listed amongst many other names on its First World War memorial plaques.

In the Pennines area of Rochdale, Milnrow Parish Church has historic connections with the Byron family and is the burial place of David Brooks, one of the original Rochdale Pioneers who formed the Co-operative Movement. In the nearby village of Wardle the former Methodist building of 1878 that houses the local Ecumenical partnership will commemorate the start of World War One with an exhibition and memorabilia.

Heritage Open Days is co-ordinated nationally by the Heritage Open Days National Partnership and it this year celebrates twenty years of ‘opening the doors’ with buildings which normally charge for entrance or which are not usually open to the public taking part in this free festival. Run by local enthusiasts and volunteers, it is a chance to enjoy events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

Most events are open to just turn up but where places are limited, bookings can be made by phone by contacting the Rochdale Visitor Information Centre at Touchstones Rochdale arts and heritage centre on 01706 924928. The centre is located close to Rochdale Town Hall on The Esplanade and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

Full details of the Rochdale boroughwide Heritage Open Days programme