The History of Oldham

865ADPeople began to live in a place they

called Oldham.

1760There were only 60 dwellings (houses)

in Oldham.

1778The first mill in Oldham was built. It

was called ‘Lees Mill.’

1801There were approximately 12,024

people living in Oldham.

1840The Town Hall, in Yorkshire Street was

built.

1854The public baths in Union Street are

built.

1854The Oldham Evening Chronicle

newspaper was launched.

1856The Lyceum was opened.

1861-1865Oldham was affected by the

Lancashire cotton famine. Many people lost their jobs because of the

lack of cotton available.

1876Oldham Rugby League club was

founded.

1887Oldham Coliseum Theatre was

opened.

1895Oldham Athletic football club was

founded but was originally called Pine Villa.

1900Winston Churchill was elected as MP

for Oldham.

End of 19th CenturyOldham had 250 cotton mills.

1923Oldham War Memorial was built.

1961The tubular bandage was invented in

Oldham.

1978Louise Brown- the world’s first test

tube baby was born.

1989The Royal Oldham Hospital was

opened. It had formerly been known as Oldham District and General

Hospital.

2001The population of Oldham according to the census was 103,544.

2002The art gallery, Gallery Oldham, was completed in February as

the first phase of a new cultural quarter to the south of the town centre.

2005The University Centre Oldham was opened in May.