Film celebrating Middleton’s history

A film celebrating Middleton’s role in the Age of Enlightenment era is to have its premiere at Long Street Methodist Church, Middleton.

Enlightenment Middleton is the creation of local filmmaker Anthony Dolan.

Anthony teamed up with volunteers to explore the towns past during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The film was part funded by the Edgar Wood and Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The Township Heritage Initiative is funded partly by the council with the majority of the money coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund - the scheme has a total of £1.9 million to spend over five years on local heritage.

Emma Neil, Conservation Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Middleton has a stunning collection of historic buildings and by commissioning films like this through the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), we are able to bring these places to life and show Middleton off to a whole new audience. I’d encourage people to go and see the film to learn more about this fascinating town and the crucial role it has played in the history of our borough.”

The film explores the people and events that helped shape Middleton during the Age of Enlightenment era, which was characterised by intellectual and scientific advances as well as by revolutionary unrest, especially amongst the poor industrial workers.

Botanist and member of the Middleton Botanical Society George Caley (1770-1829) and Sir Ashton Lever (1729-1788) of Alkrington Hall are explored in the film along with Samuel Bamford (1788-1872), Middleton’s most famous son who is best known for his role in the Peterloo Massacre in August 1819.

The premiere of the film will take place on Tuesday 30 September at Long Street Methodist Church. The event is free and there is no need to book in advance.