1864 and Rochdale is hugely prosperous with trading links not just in the UK but across the world.  The town’s elite were faced with a difficult decision; should they build a grand town hall to demonstrate their success to the world or invest in sanitation to improve the lives of the rapidly growing population?

1871 and four times over budget (little changes), a truly magnificent town hall is opened by the Mayor.  Had you visited a few years ago, you would have seen external walls ravaged by the effects of 150 years of industry and traffic fumes whilst the interior walls, carvings and ceilings were stained by nicotine and grime.  With a busy road passing in front and a huge car park to the side, it showed fading grandeur and decades of neglect.

Following a £20m restoration of the building, nineteen SPAG members travelled by bus or car but in either case, we walked across a massive, newly laid, traffic free piazza to the front before moving into the Victorian grandeur of the foyer.  Stately staircases to the upper floors, stained glass windows showing some of the many countries with which the town traded adorned the front of the building whilst the vaulted ceiling appeared to be supported by the massive pillars.

We viewed several amazing rooms on the ground floor, including the Mayor’s Chamber before ascending the elegant staircase to enter the banqueting hall. With another wall of stained glass and a huge mural of King John signing the Magna Carta it became apparent why the initial budget was so vastly exceeded.  Finally, we took the lift to the Bright Hall (named after the town’s then MP, Rt Hon John Bright).

This Gothic masterpiece will hopefully once again draw tourists to the town, giving it some much needed positive publicity.  Our opinion was that it was wonderful to visit such an important building so close to where we live.

We can’t recommend it highly enough.