View source for Milnrow

{{Short description|Town in Greater Manchester, England}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country                  = England
| coordinates              = {{coord|53.6101|-2.1111|display=inline,title}}
| official_name            = Milnrow
| population               = 9,227
| population_ref           = ([[United Kingdom Census 2021|2021 Census]])
| metropolitan_borough     = [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]]
| metropolitan_county      = [[Greater Manchester]]
| region                   = North West England
| constituency_westminster = [[Rochdale (UK Parliament constituency)|Rochdale]]
| post_town                = ROCHDALE
| postcode_district        = OL16
| postcode_area            = OL
| dial_code                = 01706
| os_grid_reference        = SD926126
| london_distance          = {{convert|168|mi|km|abbr=on}} [[Boxing the compass|SSE]]
| static_image_name        = Milnrow.jpg
| static_image_caption     = Milnrow and the [[M62 motorway]]
}}
'''Milnrow''' is a town within the [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale]], in [[Greater Manchester]], England.<ref name=miln1>{{cite web|url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/orionbritainireland/milnrow|quote=A former cotton town in Greater Manchester|publisher=credoreference.com|work=Brewer's Britain and Ireland|title=Milnrow|year=2005|access-date=11 April 2010}}{{Subscription required}}</ref><ref name=miln2>{{cite web|url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/mwgeog/milnrow|publisher=credoreference.com|title=Miln•row|work=Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary|year=2007|access-date=11 April 2010|quote=Town, Greater Manchester, NW England, SE suburb of Rochdale; pop. (2001e) 12,800.}}{{Subscription required}}</ref><ref name="GM Gazetteer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gmcro.co.uk/Guides/Gazeteer/gazzm2n.htm |title=Greater Manchester Gazetteer |publisher=Greater Manchester County Record Office |access-date=20 June 2007 |at=Places names – M to N |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718144323/http://www.gmcro.co.uk/Guides/Gazeteer/gazzm2n.htm |archive-date=18 July 2011 }}</ref> It lies on the [[River Beal]] at the foothills of the [[South Pennines]], and forms a continuous urban area with [[Rochdale]]. It is {{convert|2|mi|km|1}} east of Rochdale town centre, {{convert|10|mi|km|1}} north-northeast of [[Manchester]], and spans from [[Windy Hill (Pennines)|Windy Hill]] in the east to the [[Rochdale Canal]] in the west. Milnrow is adjacent to junction 21 of the [[M62 motorway]], and includes the village of [[Newhey]], and [[Hamlet (place)|hamlet]]s at [[Tunshill]] and Ogden.
 
[[Historic counties of England|Historically]] in [[Lancashire]], Milnrow during the [[Middle Ages]] was one of several hamlets in the [[Butterworth (ancient township)|township of Butterworth]] and [[Rochdale (ancient parish)|parish of Rochdale]]. The settlement was named by the [[Anglo-Saxons]], but the [[Norman conquest of England]] resulted in its ownership by minor [[Normans|Norman]] families, such as the Schofields and Cleggs. In the 15th century, their descendants successfully agitated for a [[chapel of ease]] by the banks of the River Beal, triggering its development as the main settlement in Butterworth. Milnrow was primarily used for marginal [[hill farming]] during the Middle Ages, and its population did not increase much until the dawn of the [[woollen]] trade in the 17th century.

With the development of [[packhorse]] routes to emerging woollen markets in [[Yorkshire]], the inhabitants of Milnrow adopted the [[domestic system]], supplementing their income by [[fellmongering]] and producing [[flannel]] in their [[weavers' cottage]]s. Coal mining and metalworking also flourished in the [[Early Modern Britain|Early Modern period]], and the farmers, colliers and weavers formed a "close-knit population of independent-minded workers".<ref name=coop/> The hamlets of Butterworth coalesced around the commercial and ecclesiastical centre in Milnrow as demand for the area's flannel grew.  In the 19th century, the [[Industrial Revolution]] supplanted domestic woollen industries and converted the area into a [[mill town]], with [[Spinning (textiles)|cotton spinning]] as the principal industry. Mass-produced textile goods from Milnrow's [[cotton mill]]s were exported globally with the arrival of the railway in 1863. The [[Milnrow Urban District]] was established in 1894 and was governed by the district council until its abolition in 1974.

[[Deindustrialisation]] and [[suburbanisation]] occurred throughout the 20th century resulting in the loss of coal mining and cotton spinning. Milnrow was merged in to the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale in 1974, and has since become suburban to Rochdale.<ref name=miln2/> However, the area has retained "a distinct and separate character",<ref name=coop/> and has been described as "the centre of the south Lancashire dialect".<ref name=joyce>Joyce (1993), p.&nbsp;198.</ref> [[John Collier (caricaturist)|John Collier]] (who wrote under the pseudonym of Tim Bobbin) is acclaimed as an 18th-century caricaturist and satirical poet who produced [[Lancashire dialect and accent|Lancashire-dialect]] works during his time as Milnrow's schoolmaster. Rochdale-born poet [[Edwin Waugh]] was influenced by Collier's work, and wrote an extensive account of Milnrow during the mid-19th century in a tribute to him.<ref name="Waugh"/> Milnrow has continued to grow in the 21st century, spurred by its connectivity to road, rail and motorway networks. Surviving weavers' cottages are among [[Listed buildings in Milnrow|Milnrow's listed buildings]], while the [[Ellenroad Ring Mill Engine|Ellenroad Steam Museum]] operates as an [[industrial heritage]] centre.

==History==
The earliest evidence of human activity comes from the [[Mesolithic]] peoples, who left thousands of [[flint tool]]s on the moorland surrounding Milnrow.<ref>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=4}}</ref>{{sfnp|Hartwell|Hyde|Pevsner|2004|p=12|ps=}} A [[hunter-gatherer]] site was excavated by the [[Piethorne Brook]] in 1982, revealing a Mesolithic camp from which deer were hunted.{{sfnp|Hartwell|Hyde|Pevsner|2004|p=12|ps=}} [[Neolithic]] activity is evidenced with a flint axe found at Newhey and a black stone axe found by [[Hollingworth Lake]].{{#tag:ref|Hollingworth was anciently part of the [[Butterworth (ancient township)|Butterworth]] township. It was to the north of Milnrow; but absorbed into the [[Littleborough, Greater Manchester|Littleborough Urban District]] in the late-19th century.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}}|group=note}}<ref>{{PastScape |mname= |mnumber=45988 |access-date=25 April 2008}}</ref><ref name=rochsurv/> Excavations at [[Piethorne Reservoir]] in the mid-19th century combined with surveys during the 1990s revealed a spear-head (with a {{convert|5|in|mm|adj=on }} blade) and ceramics respectively dated to [[Bronze Age Britain]].<ref name="Bateson3"/><ref name=heal11/> A Bronze-Age [[tumulus]], [[urn|funerary urn]], and stone hammer or battle axe were discovered at Low Hill in 1879.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Poole | first1 = S. | year = 1986 | title = A Late Mesolithic and Early Bronze Age Site at Piethorn Brook, Milnrow | journal = Greater Manchester Archaeological Journal | volume = 2 | pages = 11–30 }}</ref><ref name=rochsurv>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmau.manchester.ac.uk/pdfs/gmac13.pdf |title=The Rochdale Borough Survey|publisher=Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit|author1=B Pearson |author2=J Price |author3=V Tanner |author4=J Walker}}</ref> They imply the presence of [[Celtic Britons]].<ref name="Bateson3">{{Harvnb|Bateson|1949|p=3}}</ref><ref name=heal11/> During the [[British Iron Age]], this part of Britain was occupied by the [[Brigantes]], but, despite ancient [[kiln]]s used for dry [[ironstone]] smelting found at Tunshill,<ref name="Hignett3"/> it is unlikely that the tribe was attracted to the natural resources and landscape of the Milnrow area on a lasting basis.<ref name=uni14>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=14}}</ref> Remains of a silver statue of the Roman goddess [[Victoria (mythology)|Victoria]] and [[Roman currency|Roman coins]] were discovered at Tunshill Farm in 1793,<ref>{{PastScape |mname= |mnumber=46071 |access-date=23 April 2008}}</ref><ref name=mat8>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=8}}</ref> and it is surmised that Romans traversed this area in communication with the [[Castleshaw Roman Fort]].<ref name=uni14/> Construction in the [[Victorian era]] is likely to have destroyed any other artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age or [[Roman Britain]].<ref name=heal2>{{Harvnb|Healey|2008|p=2}}</ref> 
[[File:Geograph-2969508-by-David-Dixon.jpg|thumb|right|Sheep on the [[Rochdale Way]] in the rural Piethorne Valley. Livestock were kept here by the [[Anglo-Saxons]], and butter and wool production paved the way for industrial-age farming and commercial practices.]]
The land was delineated during the [[Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain]].<ref name="Kenyon 1991 137">{{Harvnb|Kenyon|1991|p=137}}</ref><ref name=nomen>{{cite book|title=East Lancashire Nomenclature and Rochdale Names|url=https://archive.org/details/eastlancashireno00marc|last=March|first=Henry Colley|year=1880|asin=B0014M51VQ|publisher=Simpkin & Co.|location=London}}</ref> It is theorised that this portion of the Manor of Rochdale was a seasonal [[enclosure]] for livestock farming and butter production, giving rise to the name [[Butterworth (ancient township)|Butterworth]].<ref name="Kenyon 1991 137"/> The [[Old English]] name is interpreted as meaning an "enclosed pastureland that provides good butter", using the suffix ''[[List of generic forms in place names in the United Kingdom and Ireland|-worth]]'' typically applied to upland pastures in the South Pennines.<ref>{{Harvnb|Mills|1976|p=69}}</ref> Butterworth was applied to a broad area, within which was Milnrow, which also has [[English toponymy]] implying Anglo-Saxon habitation.<ref name=pre>{{cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/9425015|title=A Pre-Conquest Latin Inscription from North-West England|first1=Vanessa|last1=Oakden|first2=Elisabeth|last2=Okasha|year=2012|journal=Medieval Archaeology|volume=56|issue=1|pages=260–300|doi=10.1179/0076609712Z.0000000009|s2cid=218680879}}</ref><ref name=miln1/><ref name="Mills 2011 328">{{Harvnb|Mills|2011|p=328}}</ref> The meaning of the name Milnrow may mean a "mill with a row of houses", combining the Old English elements ''myne'' and ''raw'',<ref name=miln1/> or ''myln'' and ''rāw'',<ref name="Mills 2011 328"/> or it may be a corruption of an old pronunciation of "Millner Howe", a water-driven [[Gristmill|corn mill]] at a place called Mill Hill on the [[River Beal]] that was mentioned in deeds dating from 1568.<ref name="RMBC32">Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (N.D.), p.&nbsp;32.</ref><ref name="Hignett2"/><ref name="Ekwall"/> Another explanation is that it is derived from a family with the name Milne, who owned a row of houses; a map from 1292 shows "Milnehouses" at Milnrow, other spellings have included "Mylnerowe" (1545) and "Milneraw" (1577).<ref name="Hignett2"/><ref name="Ekwall">Ekwall (1972), p.&nbsp;56.</ref> Physical evidence of Anglo-Saxons or [[Norsemen]] comes from [[Monasticism|monastic]] [[Epigraphy|inscribed stones]]—one of which has [[Latin]] text—discovered in 1986 at Lowhouse Farm.<ref name=pre/> The stones were dated to the [[Viking Age]] in the 9th century.<ref name=pre/>

Seasonal farming practiced in Butterworth during the [[Early Middle Ages]] gave way to permanent settlements after the [[Norman conquest of England]] in 1066;<ref name="Kenyon 1991 137"/> the [[Normans|Norman]] families of "de Butterworths", "de Turnaghs", "de Schofields", "de Birchinleghs", "de Wylds" and "Cleggs" were the new keepers of Butterworth,<ref name="Hignett2">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;2.</ref><ref name="Manchester City Council">{{Cite web|author=Manchester City Council|url=http://www.spinningtheweb.org.uk/m_display.php?irn=240&sub=nwcotton&theme=places&crumb=Rochdale|publisher=spinningtheweb.org.uk|access-date=20 April 2008|title=Rochdale Towns|author-link = Manchester City Council}}</ref> in the hamlets of [[Belfield, Greater Manchester|Belfield]], Bleaked-gate-cum-Roughbank, Butterworth Hall, Clegg, Haughs, Lowhouse, Milnrow, [[Newhey]], Ogden, Tunshill, and Wildhouse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/entry_page.jsp?text_id=845610&word=NULL|title=Descriptive Gazetteer entry for Butterworth|publisher=visionofbritain.org.uk|access-date=22 April 2008}}</ref> Records relating to these hamlets in the [[High Middle Ages]] are vague or incomplete, but show land was owned variously by the families, the Elland family, the Holland family, the Byron family, or the [[Knights Hospitaller]].<ref name=uni75>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=75}}</ref><ref name=baines/> The Byron family were endowed land in Milnrow during Norman times,<ref>{{Harvnb|Lofthouse|1972|p=28}}</ref> and their descendants include the [[Baron Byron|Barons Byron]] in the [[peerage of England]]. In 1253, [[Henry III of England|King Henry III]] granted rights to the Knights Hospitaller to conduct the trials of suspected thieves, regulate the production and sale of food using the [[Assize of Bread and Ale]], and erect a [[gallows]] for public executions.<ref name=rochsurv/><ref name=an1>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=1}}</ref> Butterworth had no church, it was part of the [[Rochdale (ancient parish)|parish of Rochdale]] with ties to St Chad's Church in Rochdale.<ref>{{Harvnb|Baines|1825|pp=688–689.}}</ref> The scattered community in and around Butterworth was primarily agricultural,<ref name="RMBC32"/><ref name="Hignett3">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;3.</ref> and centered on [[hill farming]].<ref name=pressreader/> An [[oratory (worship)|oratory]] was licensed by the [[Bishop of Lichfield]] in 1400 for use as a [[chantry]] by the Byron family,<ref name=mat3>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=3}}</ref> and a [[chapel of ease]] for the wider community followed in 1496.<ref name=rochsurv/><ref name=mat3/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=1064 |title=Events in Milnrow 1400–1929! |publisher=link4link.org |author=Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust |access-date=22 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718191916/http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=1064 |archive-date=18 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Hignett32">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;32.</ref> A document dated 20 March 1496 from the reign of [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]], proclaims that open land by the River Beal at Milnrow would be the site of the new chapel, distinguishing it as a [[chapelry]],<ref name="Hignett32"/> and prompting its development as the principal settlement.<ref name="Hignett2"/><ref name="Manchester City Council"/> Milnrow Chapel struggled to be viable, and depended on donations.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kümin|2016|p=}}</ref> Interference from donors led to accusations of corruption and its confiscation by [[the Crown]] at the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]].<ref name=Godfrey/><ref name=baines>{{Harvnb|Baines|1825|pp=532–533}}</ref>
[[File:Two former weavers' cottages in Milnrow.jpg|thumb|right|[[Weavers' cottage]]s in Milnrow, built using [[sandstone]] in a style typical of the area. Handloom weaving of [[woollen]]s was the staple industry during the [[early modern period]].]]
Shallow coal mining was recorded at Milnrow in 1610,<ref name=rochsurv/> while legal documents dated 1624 state that there were six cottages at Milnrow; with a further nine at Butterworth Hall, and three at Ogden.<ref name=fish122>{{Harvnb|Fishwick|1889|p=122}}.</ref> [[Millstone Grit]] was the main building material of the time, used for [[dry stone]] farmhouses and field boundaries.<ref name=uni80>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=80}}</ref> Milnrow stayed this way throughout the [[Late Middle Ages]]— its chapel appearing intermittently in records—<ref name=baines/> until [[woollen]] [[weaving]] was introduced.<ref name="GMArch35">McNeil, R. & Nevell, M. (2000), p.&nbsp;35.</ref><ref name=Roc33>{{Harvnb|Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|1985|p=33}}</ref> Beginning as a subsidiary occupation, the [[carding]], [[spinning (textiles)|spinning]], and handloom weaving of woollen cloth in the [[domestic system]] became the staple industry of Milnrow in the 17th century.<ref name=fish1889/><ref name=pressreader/> This was supported by the development of medieval trans-Pennine [[packhorse]] tracks, such as Rapes Highway routed from Milnrow to [[Marsden, West Yorkshire|Marsden]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Collins|1950|p=30}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Cresswell|1991|p=168}}</ref> allowing access to woollen markets in [[Yorkshire]] and enabling commercial prosperity and expansion.<ref name=fish1889>{{Harvnb|Fishwick|1889|p=54}}.</ref> [[Fulling]] and [[textile bleaching]] was introduced,<ref name=rochsurv/> and Milnrow became "especially known for [[fellmongering]]",<ref name=Godfrey/> and "distinguished for its manufacture of [[flannel]]s".<ref name=lewis318>{{Harvnb|Lewis|1848|p=318}}</ref> Demand for Milnrow flannel began to outstrip its supply of [[wool]], resulting in imports from [[Ireland]] and the [[English Midlands]].<ref name="GMArch35"/> An estimated 40,000–50,000 sheep hides were ordered every week,<ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;10.</ref> and Milnrow's William Clegg Company established what was said to be the largest fellmongering yard in England.<ref name=Godfrey/> [[Trade token]]s were struck in Milnrow by local [[metalworking|metalworkers]] to supplement a shortage of coins.<ref name=rochhist/> [[Sandstone]] was quarried in the late-17th century,<ref name=uni82>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=82}}</ref> providing Milnrow with the material to extend the fully reinstated Milnrow Chapel in 1715,<ref name=Godfrey/> as well as new three-storey "fine stone domestic workshops" or [[weavers' cottage]]s during the 18th century.<ref name="GMArch35"/><ref name="Frangopulo 1977, p. 29">Frangopulo (1977), p.&nbsp;29.</ref><ref name=housingcont/> These had dwelling quarters on the lower floors and [[loom]]-shops on the top floor.<ref name="GMArch35"/><ref name="Frangopulo 1977, p. 29"/><ref name=housingcont>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/7|title=Housing continued|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|publisher=bbc.co.uk|date=1986|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> Milnrow became a village of [[working class]] traders who used Rochdale as a central marketing and finishing hub;<ref name="GMArch35"/> the [[curate]] of Milnrow remarked that the [[gentry]] and [[yeomen]] classes had all left the area by 1800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Navickas|2009|pp=21–22}}</ref> Road links to other markets were enhanced during the late-18th century,<ref name=heal10>{{Harvnb|Healey|2008|p=10}}</ref> culminating in an [[Acts of Parliament in the United Kingdom|Act of Parliament]] passed in 1805 to create a [[toll roads in Great Britain|turnpike]] from Newhey to [[Huddersfield]].<ref name=lg15881>{{London Gazette |issue=15881|date=14 January 1806 |page=61 }}</ref>

During surveys and excavations by [[Oxford Archaeology]] in the Kingsway Business Park, ten yeoman houses were identified dating to the seventeenth and early part of the eighteenth centuries. These included Moss Side Farm, Lower and Higher Moss Side Farms, Cherry Tree Farm, Lower Lane Farm, Pyche, Lane End and Castle Farm <ref>{{Cite book |last=Gregory |first=Richard |title=Yeoman Farmers and Handloom Weavers: the archaeology of the Kingsway Business Park |publisher=Oxford Archaeology Ltd |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-907686-28-3 |location=Lancaster |pages=21–31 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gregory |first=Richard |title=Farmers and Weavers: archaeological investigations at Kingsway Business Park and Cutacre Country Park, Greater Manchester |publisher=Oxford Archaeology Ltd |year=2021 |isbn=978-1-907686-36-8 |location=Lancaster |pages=137–163 |language=English}}</ref>
[[File:Butterworth Hall Mill.jpg|thumb|right|Butterworth Hall Mill was Milnrow's last [[cotton mill]].]]
[[Middleton, Greater Manchester|Middleton]]-born [[Radicalism (historical)|Radical]] writer [[Samuel Bamford]] wrote that at the beginning of the 19th century "such a thing as a cotton or woollen factory was not in existence" in Milnrow.<ref>{{Harvnb|Trower|2011|p=61}}</ref> By 1815, three commercial manufacturers had established woollen mills in Milnrow.<ref name=pressreader/> while topographer [[James Butterworth]] wrote that Newhey consisted of "several ranges of cottages and two public houses" in 1828.<ref name="Butter113">Butterworth (1828), p.&nbsp;113.</ref> The [[Industrial Revolution]] introduced the [[factory system]] which was adopted by the local inhabitants; the River Beal was the main power source for new woollen weaving mills and technologies.<ref name=Roc33/> Construction of large mechanised [[cotton mill]]s in nearby [[Oldham]] was admired by business owners in Milnrow, prompting them to build similar factories; the principal occupation remained as wool weaving, but cotton spinning and [[chain]]making was introduced.<ref name=Roc33/><ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;11.</ref> Unusually for the period and region, women in particular were employed as chainmakers by Milnrow's [[blacksmith]]s during the 19th century.<ref name=pressreader/> Nationally, the factory system and the [[Corn Laws]] combined to reduce wages and increase food prices in the early-1840s, leading to protests and disorder at Milnrow in August 1842; the [[Riot Act]] was read and the [[11th Hussars]] were deployed to restore order and protect burgeoning mills and their owners from harm.<ref>{{Harvnb|Robertson|1877|p=132}}</ref> The Corn Laws were repealed in 1846, and [[Ordnance Survey]] maps show Milnrow to have had three woollen mills, and one cotton mill by 1848.<ref name=Godfrey/> The [[County Borough of Oldham|Oldham Corporation]] obtained [[Compulsory purchase in England and Wales|compulsory purchase rights]] in 1858 to acquire and dam the [[Piethorne Brook]], completing the [[Piethorne Reservoir]] in 1863.<ref name=tel>{{Harvnb|Tedd|2002|p=236}}</ref> The construction of rectangular multi-storey brick cotton mills followed,<ref>Sellers (1991), p.&nbsp;47.</ref> and ''[[The British Trade Journal]]'' noted that cottages in Milnrow and Newhey were "in great demand".{{sfn|The British Trade Journal and Export World|1886|p=347}} [[Terraced house]]s with [[slate]] roofs and facades of stone or red [[brick]] were built in rows to house an influx of workers and families.<ref name=housing/> Streets and roads were [[cobbled]], and transport was [[horse-drawn vehicle|horse-drawn]] or by the [[Rochdale Canal]].<ref name=change>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/19|title=Changing Times|access-date=11 April 2018|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|date=1986|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The [[Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway]] opened the [[Oldham Loop line|Oldham Loop railway line]] in 1863, with stations at Milnrow and Newhey—the latter gave rise to the "industrial village" of Newhey, with mills and housing built concentrically outwards from the railway line.<ref name=heal11>{{Harvnb|Healey|2008|p=11}}</ref> Butterworth Hall Colliery opened in 1865.<ref name=nmrs/> However, public [[street lighting]] was not widely available until after a dispute was heard by the [[House of Lords]] in April 1869.{{sfn|The Journal of gas lighting, water supply and sanitary improvement|1869|pp=297–300}} Providers of [[gas lighting]] in the neighbouring [[County Borough of Rochdale|Municipal Borough of Rochdale]] originally overlooked Milnrow because they had "not thought it worth their while extending their mains into a thinly populated district", but later conceded "there had been a great increase of population" and it was "thriving".{{sfn|The Journal of gas lighting, water supply and sanitary improvement|1869|pp=297–300}} In the 1870s,<ref name=pressreader/> wool was supplanted by cotton "with success".{{sfn|The British Trade Journal and Export World|1886|p=347}} [[Ring spinning]] companies – some of the earliest in the UK – were formed by local influential businessmen, giving rise to Milnrow's reputation as a [[company town]]—the Heap business family exercised significant deferential and political influence upon the newly formed Milnrow [[Local Board of Health]] from their Cliffe House home in Newhey.<ref name=relations>{{cite web|url=http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/1449/1/tomss4_Steve_doc_2_final.pdf|publisher=eprints.whiterose.ac.uk|year=2000|title=Industrial Relations and Technical Change: Profits, Wages and Costs in the Lancashire Cotton Industry, 1880–1914|author1=Procter, S. |author2=Toms, S. |name-list-style=amp |access-date=29 April 2008}}</ref><ref name=leaders>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/property/leaders-of-industry-who-used-home-1037358|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|access-date=27 April 2018|date=13 August 2007|title=Leaders of industry who used home life as symbol of power}}</ref> Inspired by the [[Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers]], and using the [[Rochdale Principles]], [[consumers' co-operative]] groups were established at Milnrow, Newhey, Ogden and Firgrove throughout the second half of the 19th century.<ref name=coop>{{cite web|url=https://www.rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/MILNROW-LEAFLET-lowres-for-web.pdf|publisher=rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop|title=Milnrow, Newhey and Ogden Co-operative Heritage Trail|access-date=13 April 2018|author=Rochdale Pioneers Museum|author-link=Rochdale Pioneers Museum}}</ref> In 1885, municipal buildings were developed for the Milnrow Local Board, while an act of parliament empowered the Oldham Corporation to make further purchases in the Piethorne Valley so as to create additional reservoirs.<ref name=lg25533>{{London Gazette |issue=25533|date=24 November 1885|pages=5486–5489}}</ref> An elected [[Urban district (Great Britain and Ireland)|urban district council]] was established for the "thriving town" of Milnrow and its hinterland in 1894,<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/><ref name=Godfrey/> followed by the introduction of new amenities: a [[golf course]] at Tunshill in 1901,<ref name=golf/> and a [[Carnegie library]] at Milnrow in 1907.<ref name="Hignett7"/> A [[tram engine|steam-powered tram]] system connected to Rochdale was authorised for Milnrow in 1904, but was resisted—and later abandoned—by the district's "influential folk" who felt that "drawing the two communities closer" would result in "hastening the annexation" of Milnrow in to Rochdale.<ref name=Godfrey/> Milnrow Council approved terms with [[Rochdale Corporation Tramways]] in 1909 for an electric-powered street-level passenger [[tram]]way running from Firgrove in the west to Newhey in the south.<ref name=lg28312>{{London Gazette |issue=28312 |date=26 November 1909 |page=9013 }}</ref>

[[File:Westbound M62 - geograph.org.uk - 1704251.jpg|thumb|right|The [[M62 motorway]] was opened through Milnrow in 1971.]]
Cotton spinning was the principal industry in Milnrow in the 1910s—Newhey alone had ten cotton mills employing over 2,000 people at 1911,<ref name=Godfrey/> while Butterworth Hall Colliery was the largest colliery in the Rochdale region, employing around 300 men in 1912.<ref name=Godman59/> These workers were able to travel Milnrow's completed tramway from 1912, which passed by Dale Street, Milnrow's central thoroughfare lined with banks, butchers, [[confectioner]]s, [[chemist]]s and [[draper]]s.<ref name=Godfrey/> Ten years after it was first proposed, in 1913, a new Anglican parish church of St Ann was consecrated at [[Belfield, Greater Manchester|Belfield]] at its boundary with Firgrove so as to serve the swell in population across the Rochdale-Milnrow boundary and ease pressure at Milnrow's Anglican parish church.<ref name=pressreader/> An outbreak of [[smallpox]] occurred in 1914; an investigation by the [[Royal Society of Medicine]] to link the infection with imported cotton bales from [[Brazil]], [[Mexico]], [[Peru]] or the [[United States]] was inconclusive.<ref>{{Harvnb|Royal Society of Medicine|1915|p=100}}</ref> The "most disastrous fire on record" in the Milnrow area resulted in the "spectacular" destruction of Newhey's [[Ellenroad Mill]] in 1916, at a cost of £150,000 (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|150000|1916|r=-3}}|0}} in {{inflation/year|UK}}),{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} but with no loss of life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/professionals/blazing-revival-led-to-disaster-1025664|title=Blazing revival led to disaster|date=21 March 2006|access-date=15 May 2018|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]}}</ref> [[Tank Banks|Tank Week]], a national touring campaign to help fund the [[British heavy tanks of World War I]], came to Milnrow resulting in a collective donation of £180,578 (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|180578|1918|r=-3}}|0}} in {{inflation/year|UK}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} from the people of the district.<ref name=floraltank/> Upon conclusion of the war, the [[National Savings Movement]] praised the people of Milnrow for their donation, and in May 1919 presented the district with a 23-ton female [[Mark IV tank]] for permanent public display in Milnrow.<ref name=floraltank>{{cite web|url=http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/120524/tank-floral-display-installed-in-milnrow|title=Tank floral display installed in Milnrow|date=17 July 2018|access-date=10 August 2018|work=Rochdale Online}}</ref> Butterworth Hall Colliery closed in 1928,<ref name=nmrs/> and poor maintenance forebode the closure of Milnrow's tramway in 1932.<ref name=Godfrey/> In 1934, Milnrow Council agreed that its publicly displayed World War I tank had become "an eyesore" and "a potential source of danger to children", and consequently sold and removed it for scrap.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 1934 |title=Milnrow Tank To GO: War Relic to be scrapped|work=Rochdale Observer |location=Rochdale}}</ref><ref name=floraltank/> In the same year, Milnrow Council was gifted land in Firgrove to be used as a public [[Pitch (sports field)|sports pitch]].<ref name=agenda>{{cite web|url=http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=686&MId=4008|publisher=democracy.rochdale.gov.uk|title=Milnrow, Newhey and Firgrove Area Forum Thursday, 8th December, 2016 7.00 pm|series=Agenda and minutes|author=Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|date=8 December 2016|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref> [[Social housing]] estates of semi-detached properties with gardens were constructed in both Milnrow and Newhey during the 1930s,<ref name=housing/> while roads in Newhey were laid by [[German prisoners of war in the United Kingdom|German prisoners of war]] during [[World War II]].<ref name=change/> Over 500 municipal homes were built between 1930 and 1950, which [[Chris Davies (Liberal Democrat politician)|Chris Davies MP]] described in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] as "good, solid, middle-of-the-road housing [...] typical examples of some of the best council housing built in Britain".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1996/mar/18/council-housing|publisher=parliament.uk|date=18 March 1996|access-date=13 April 2018|title=Council Housing}}</ref> Cliffe House at Newhey, formerly occupied by the prominent Heap manufacturing family, was demolished and in 1952 its grounds were opened as the recreational and publicly owned Milnrow Memorial Park.<ref name=leaders/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/leisure/milnrow-memorial-gardens/history|work=Rochdale Online|title=Milnrow Memorial Park: History|access-date=27 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rochdale.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-open-spaces/Pages/milnrow-memorial-gardens.aspx|author=Rochdale Council|author-link=Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|title=Milnrow Memorial Park, Green Flag Award|access-date=27 April 2018|publisher=rochdale.gov.uk}}</ref> Following the [[Great Depression in the United Kingdom|Great Depression]], the region's textile sector experienced a decline until its eventual demise in the mid-20th century. Milnrow's last standing cotton mill was Butterworth Hall Mill, demolished in the late 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milnrow-village.freeserve.co.uk/milnrow1.htm|publisher=milnrow-village.freeserve.co.uk|access-date=18 June 2008|title=This is Milnrow: Industry}}</ref> Milnrow experienced population growth and suburbanisation in the second half of the 20th century, spurred by the construction of the [[M62 motorway]] through the area, making Greater Manchester and [[West Yorkshire]] commutable.<ref name=Roc33/><ref name="Hignett35"/> The Pennine Drive [[housing estate]] was constructed in the mid-1980s.<ref name=housingcont/> A restoration project to reopen the dilapidated Rochdale Canal resulted in Firgrove Bridge, at Milnrow's boundary with Rochdale, being rebuilt in October 2001;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/a-brief-history-of-the-rochdale-canal-1168521|title=A Brief History of the Rochdale Canal|date=24 April 2005|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/rochdale/rc56b.htm|publisher=penninewaterways.co.uk|access-date=13 April 2018|title=Firgrove Bridge, Rochdale}}</ref> a [[Bellway]]-constructed housing estate was built next to the canal between 2005 and 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/green-light-for-66-homes-on-former-1062811|title=Green light for 66 homes on former mill site|date=25 April 2005|access-date=30 August 2019|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> [[Milnrow tram stop]] opened as part of Greater Manchester's light-rail [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]] network on 28 February 2013.<ref name=metopen>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-21612322|publisher=bbc.co.uk|access-date=2 March 2013|date=28 February 2013|title=Rochdale extension to Metrolink tram network opens}}</ref> Although its route through Milnrow was carefully planned to mitigate against bad weather conditions,<ref name=tran>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/16|title=Transport|date=1986|access-date=10 April 2018|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> the local section of the M62 was made impassable by the "[[2018 Great Britain and Ireland cold wave|Beast from the East]]" cold weather wave in March 2018.<ref name=astonish>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/milnrow-drivers-stuck-m62-volunteers-14358487|title=The astonishing community volunteers in Milnrow who stayed up all night to help drivers stranded on the M62|date=2 March 2018|access-date=5 April 2018|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref name=indef>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-43254836|title=UK snow: M62 drivers stranded 'indefinitely'|date=2 March 2018|access-date=9 April 2018|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Stranded motorists were invited in to homes and offered food and shelter by "kindhearted" volunteers in Milnrow and Newhey while the [[British Army]] cleared the motorway.<ref name=astonish/><ref name=indef/>

==Governance==
[[File:Banded fleece of Milnrow.png|thumb|right|Although not granted by the [[College of Arms]], a banded fleece has been an emblem of Milnrow since its former council chairman used it as a badge. The emblem alludes to Milnrow's woollen trade heritage.<ref>Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (N.D.), p.&nbsp;19.</ref>]]
Lying within the [[Historic counties of England|historic county boundaries]] of [[Lancashire]] since the early 12th century, Milnrow was a component area of [[Butterworth (ancient township)|Butterworth]], an ancient rural [[Township (England)|township]] within the [[Rochdale (ancient parish)|parish of Rochdale]] and [[Salford (hundred)|hundred of Salford]].<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/> Under [[feudalism]], Butterworth was governed by a number of ruling families, including the Byrons, who would later be granted the title of [[Baron Byron]], or [[Lord of the Manor]] of Rochdale.<ref name="Hignett32"/> The [[Knights Hospitaller]] held powers in Butterworth- by way of a grant from King [[Henry III of England]] in the 13th century, they were able to hold legal trials of suspected thieves, exercise the [[Assize of Bread and Ale]], and perform public [[hanging]]s.<ref name=Godfrey/> Throughout the [[Late Middle Ages]], local men acted as [[jurors]] and [[constables]] for the purposes of upholding law and order in Butterworth.<ref name=uni78>{{Harvnb|University of Manchester Archaeological Unit|1996|p=78}}</ref> By 1825, there were several villages in Butterworth including Butterworth Hall, Haugh, Lady Houses, Little Clegg, Newhey, Ogden, Moorhouse, Schofield Hall and Milnrow itself, which was distinguished from the others as Butterworth's only [[chapelry]].<ref name="Baines 1825 689">{{Harvnb|Baines|1825|p=689.}}</ref> Butterworth in the 19th century constituted a [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]], until its dissolution in 1894.<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/>

Milnrow's [[Rates in the United Kingdom|ratepayers]] rejected a proposal to create a [[local board of health]]—a tax-funded regulatory body responsible for standards of hygiene and sanitation—on 14 June 1869,<ref name=mat48>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=48}}</ref> but a vote held on 17 December 1869 ended 546 to 466 in favour.<ref name=mat50>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=50}}</ref> The Milnrow Local Board of Health, with jurisdiction over the [[wards of the United Kingdom|wards]] of Belfield, Haugh and Milnrow,<ref name=fish122/> was approved by central government on 2 February 1870 in accordance with the [[Local Government Act 1858]].<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=23583 |date=4 February 1870 |pages=665–666 }}</ref> Its 18 members convened for the first time on 18 August 1870,<ref name=Godfrey/><ref name=mat52>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=52}}</ref> and gave Milnrow its first measure of democratic self-governance.<ref name=Godfrey/> James Heap, of the local Heap manufacturing family, was the first chairman,<ref name=mat52/> and the Heaps' influence on local politics gave rise to Milnrow's reputation as a [[company town]].<ref name=relations/> In 1872, Milnrow Local Board of Health protested against proposals drawn by the Rochdale Corporation to combat [[water pollution]] in the [[River Roch]] and the River Beal, claiming that prohibiting the use of the Beal for its industrial and untreated human effluent would be "a sad blow to manufacturers and consequently to the working classes".<ref name=lead>{{Harvnb|Garrard|1983|p=93}}</ref> In 1879, the Firgrove part of the [[Castleton, Greater Manchester|Castleton]] township and further parts of Butterworth township were incorporated into the jurisdiction of the local board.<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/><ref name="Baines 1825 689"/> [[Milnrow Town Hall]] was completed in 1888.<ref>{{cite news |title=Friends of Milnrow Clock Tower and Library Group launched |url=https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/91740/friends-of-milnrow-clock-tower-and-library-group-launched |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Rochdale Online |date=6 October 2014}}</ref> Under the [[Local Government Act 1894]], the area of the local board broadly became the [[Milnrow Urban District]], a local government unit with elected councillors, in concord with the Rochdale [[Poor Law Union]], and sharing power with [[Lancashire County Council]] as a constituent district of the [[Administrative counties of England|administrative county]] of Lancashire.<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/> Milnrow Urban District bordered the larger [[County Borough of Rochdale]] to the west, a politically independent authority which had been absorbing smaller neighbouring authorities—such as the [[Castleton, Greater Manchester|Castleton Urban District]] in 1900 and the [[Norden, Greater Manchester|Norden Urban District]] in 1933—resulting in Milnrow people being "a little afraid of the borough and [...] annexation".<ref name=Godfrey/> Under the [[Local Government Act 1972]], the Milnrow Urban District was abolished, and Milnrow has, since 1 April 1974, formed an [[unparished area]] of the [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale]], within the [[metropolitan county]] of [[Greater Manchester]].<ref name="GM Gazetteer"/> In anticipation of the new local government arrangement, Milnrow Urban District Council applied for [[successor parish]] status to be granted to the locality after 1974, but the application was not successful.<ref>{{Harvnb|Clark|1973|p=106.}}</ref>

From 1983 to 1997, Milnrow was represented in the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]] as part of the [[List of United Kingdom Parliament constituencies|parliamentary constituency]] of [[Littleborough and Saddleworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Littleborough and Saddleworth]]. Between 1997 and 2010 it was within the boundaries of [[Oldham East and Saddleworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Oldham East and Saddleworth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/councillors,_democracy_and_ele/local_mps_and_meps_-_informati.aspx|author=Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|publisher=rochdale.gov.uk|access-date=22 April 2008|title=Local MPs and MEPs – information and advice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601034905/http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/councillors,_democracy_and_ele/local_mps_and_meps_-_informati.aspx|archive-date=1 June 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010 Milnrow became part of the [[Rochdale (UK Parliament constituency)|Rochdale constituency]], which, from 2017 until his death in January 2024, was represented by [[Tony Lloyd|Sir Tony Lloyd]] MP, a member of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Adu |first= Aletha |date= 17 January 2024 |title= Labour MP Tony Lloyd dies surrounded by family at age of 73 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/jan/17/labour-mp-tony-lloyd-dies-surrounded-by-family-at-age-of-73 |work= The Guardian |access-date= 20 January 2024}}</ref> Following a [[2024 Rochdale by-election|by-election]], it was then represented by [[George Galloway]] of the [[Workers Party of Britain|Workers Party]] who lost the seat at the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|general election in July]] to [[Paul Waugh]] of the [[Labour and Co-operative Party]], its current (2025) MP.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/downloads/file/2386/statement-of-persons-nominated-rochdale | title = Statement of Persons Nominated and Notice of Poll | date = 2024-06-07 | website = [[Rochdale Borough Council]] | access-date = 2024-06-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240608130932/https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/downloads/file/2386/statement-of-persons-nominated-rochdale | archive-date = 2024-06-08}}</ref> In 2010, ''[[The Guardian]]'' noted Milnrow as part of a "traditional heartland", where a "well of loyalty [for Labour] runs deep in the Pennine towns between Rochdale and Oldham",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/apr/29/labour-loyalty-thin-in-oldham|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=29 April 2010|first=Martin|last=Wainright|title=Labour loyalty starts to wear thin in Oldham}}</ref> while the 2002 ''[[Almanac of British Politics]]'' affirms Milnrow's residents "are willing to elect [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] councillors".<ref>{{Harvnb|Waller|Criddle|2002|p=619}}</ref> [[Association of Conservative Clubs|Conservative club]]s, Liberal clubs, and [[working men's club]]s were established in Milnrow and Firgrove during the 19th and 20th centuries.<ref name=Godfrey/>

==Geography==
{{further|Geography of Greater Manchester}}
[[File:Newhey.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|A view over Newhey and Milnrow, towards [[Smallbridge, Greater Manchester|Smallbridge]] in [[Rochdale]]. Milnrow forms a transitional zone between the [[Greater Manchester Built-up Area]] and the rural [[South Pennines]].]]
At {{coord|53|36|36|N|2|6|40|W|type:city}} (53.6101°, −2.1111°), and {{convert|168|mi|km|0}} north-northwest of [[central London]], the centre of Milnrow stands roughly {{convert|492|ft|m|0}} above sea level,<ref>{{cite web |title=Milnrow, United Kingdom |work=Global Gazetteer, Version 2.1 |publisher=Falling Rain Genomics, Inc |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/UK/0/Milnrow.html|access-date=2 January 2008}}</ref> on the western slopes of the [[South Pennines]], {{convert|10|mi|km|1}} north-northeast of [[Manchester city centre]]. [[Blackstone Edge]] and [[Saddleworth]] are to the east; [[Rochdale]] and [[Shaw and Crompton]] are to the west and south respectively. Considered as the area covered by the former [[Milnrow Urban District]], Milnrow extends over {{convert|8.1|sqmi|km2|0}}, stretching from the [[Rochdale Canal]] in the west through to [[Windy Hill (Pennines)|Windy Hill]] in the east, taking in the valley of the [[River Beal]].<ref name=Roc33/><ref name="Hignett6">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;6.</ref> The Beal, a tributary of the [[River Roch]], runs centrally through Milnrow from the south through [[Newhey]].<ref name="Hignett6"/> The smaller [[Butterworth Hall Brook]], which flows in to the Beal, runs east-to-west,<ref name="Bullock 2009 5">{{Harvnb|Bullock|Blythe|2009|p=5}}</ref> while [[Stanney Brook]] rises at [[High Crompton]] and runs along the southern edge of Milnrow and in to the Roch at Newbold in Rochdale.<ref name=Godfrey/>

The 2001 ''[[Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary]]'' recounts Milnrow as both a town and a southeasterly suburb of Rochdale.<ref name=miln2/> The [[Office for National Statistics]] designates Milnrow as part of the [[Greater Manchester Built-up Area]], the United Kingdom's second largest conurbation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/census2001/ks_urban_north_part_5.pdf |title=Census 2001:Key Statistics for urban areas in the North; Map 3 |author=Office for National Statistics |publisher=statistics.gov.uk |access-date=22 April 2008 |year=2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109141715/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/census2001/ks_urban_north_part_5.pdf |archive-date=9 January 2007 |author-link=Office for National Statistics }}</ref> Milnrow is situated in "the transitional zone" between the [[moorland]] of the South Pennines and the more densely populated areas of Rochdale and Manchester.<ref name="Bullock 2009 5"/> Most development has been built concentrically outwards from two centres by the River Beal in Milnrow and Newhey, but land use transitions as the height of the ground rises towards the Pennines – from commercial and industrial, to housing and suburban development, to enclosed farms and pastures, and finally unenclosed moorland at the highest points.<ref name=Roc33/><ref name="Hignett7">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;7.</ref><ref name=rocmap/> [[Ancient woodland]] is sparse; {{convert|1|acre|sqmi}} of woodland and plantation was recorded across Milnrow in 1911.<ref name=rochhist/> Housing includes 18th-century cottages and farmhouses, late-19th century [[terraced house]]s, [[inter-war period|inter-war]] [[social housing]], and modern detached and semi-detached private family homes.<ref name=housing/> Farmland typically consists of undulating [[pasture]]s used for stock rearing and rough grazing,<ref name="Bullock 2009 5"/><ref name=rocmap>{{Harvnb|Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|2006|p=Supplementary Map}}</ref> interspersed by isolated farmhouses and the Kitcliffe, Ogden and Tunshill hamlets.<ref name=housing>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/6|publisher=bbc.co.uk|title=Housing|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|date=1986|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> Moorland forms the highest and most easterly part of Milnrow—the highest point is Bleakedgate Moor at {{convert|1310|ft|m|0|}},<ref name=Roc33/> which forms a boundary with the [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham]] by [[Denshaw]]. [[Windy Hill (Pennines)|Windy Hill]] is another high-point amongst these moors.<ref name=Roc33/>

Milnrow's soil is typically light gravel and clay, with subsoil of rough gravel,<ref name="County of Lanc">{{cite book |last=Brownbill|first=J|author2=William Farrer|title=A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5|publisher=Victoria County History|year=1911|pages=213–222|isbn=978-0-7129-1055-2}}</ref> and the underlying geology is mostly lower [[coal measures]] from the [[Carboniferous]] period, punctuated with a band of [[sandstone]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Bullock|Blythe|2009|p=6}}</ref> Milnrow experiences a [[temperate]] [[Oceanic climate|maritime climate]], like much of the [[British Isles]], with relatively cool summers and mild winters. There is regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year.

{{Geographic Location
|title     = '''Neighbouring cities, towns and places.'''
|Northwest = [[Wardle, Greater Manchester|Wardle]]
|North     = [[Littleborough, Greater Manchester|Littleborough]]
|Northeast = [[Blackstone Edge]]
|West      = [[Rochdale]]
|Centre    = Milnrow
|East      = [[Piethorne Valley]]
|Southwest = [[Thornham, Greater Manchester|Thornham]]
|South     = [[Shaw and Crompton]]
|Southeast = [[Newhey]]
}}

In 1855, the poet [[Edwin Waugh]] said of Milnrow:{{blockquote|Milnrow lies on the ground not unlike a tall tree laid lengthwise, in a valley, by a riverside. At the bridge, its roots spread themselves in clots and fibrous shoots, in all directions; while the almost branchless trunk runs up, with a little bend, above half a mile towards Oldham, where it again spreads itself out in an umbrageous way.<ref name="Waugh">{{harvnb|Waugh|1855|p=61}}</ref>|[[Edwin Waugh]]|''Sketches of Lancashire life and localities'' (1855)}}

The urban part of Milnrow broadly consists of development which has absorbed former hamlets including Butterworth Hall, Firgrove, Gallows, and Moorhouse. These now form neighbourhoods of Milnrow, but others form distinct settlements. For instance, [[Newhey]], at the south of Milnrow, emerged as a village in its own right, with its own distinct amenities such as shops, [[parish church]] and Metrolink station.<ref name=Godfrey/><ref name=heal11/> Kitcliffe, Ogden and Tunshill, to the east of central Milnrow, are hamlets that occupy the upper, mid and lower [[Piethorne Valley]] respectively.<ref name=rocmap/><ref name=housing/> The Gallows area is signified by The Gallows [[public house]]—it is a former hamlet which now forms a neighbourhood. This area occupies an ancient execution site,<ref name="RMBC32"/><ref name="Hignett3"/><ref>Lewis (1848), pp.&nbsp;729–733.</ref> established by the [[Knights Hospitaller]] in 1253.<ref name=an1/> All continue to form a composite Milnrow area within the borough of Rochdale.<ref name="RMBC32"/>

==Demography==
{{further|Demographics of Greater Manchester}}
[[File:St James, Milnrow (14663357366).jpg|upright|thumb|right|The Parish Church of St James. Christians have worshiped at a church or chapel in Milnrow since 1496.]]
In 1855, the Rochdale-born poet [[Edwin Waugh]] described Milnrow's inhabitants as "a hardy moor-end race, half farmers, half woollen weavers".<ref name=Godfrey>{{Harvnb|Godfrey|2018}}</ref> Milnrow has been described as "the centre of the south Lancashire dialect",<ref name=joyce/> while the accent of the town's inhabitants has been described variously as "strong", "common", "broad" or "northern"; a local pronunciation of Milnrow is "Milnra".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/scally-posh-greater-manchester-accent-9797857|title=Scally or posh? Greater Manchester accent map shows what people think about the way YOU talk|access-date=30 April 2018|date=5 August 2015|first=Todd|last=Fitzgerald |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> One of the most common surnames is [[Butterworth (surname)|Butterworth]], which is native to the Milnrow area.<ref name=Godfrey/> In 2016, a study in to [[life expectancy]] in Greater Manchester showed Milnrow to have one of the highest rates of longevity – second only to [[Whitefield, Greater Manchester|Whitefield]] – with the average woman living 82 years, and the average man for 75.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-37583210|publisher=bbc.co.uk|work=[[BBC News]]|title=Greater Manchester Metrolink tram map reveals life expectancy levels|date=7 October 2016|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref> Robert Brearley was an early [[centenarian]] from Milnrow, who lived past his 103rd birthday between the years 1787 and 1889.<ref name=mat98>{{Harvnb|Mattley|1899|p=98}}</ref>

According to the [[Office for National Statistics]], at the time of the [[United Kingdom Census 2011]], Milnrow (urban-core and sub-area) had a total resident population of 13,061.<ref name=cen11>{{cite web|url=http://population.mongabay.com/population/united-kingdom/2642483/milnrow|title=Town population 2011|access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> This was up from the following figures recorded in 2001: 11,561 for the [[Wards of the United Kingdom|electoral ward]] of Milnrow (which has different boundaries),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=16&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209124581825&enc=1 |title=Milnrow (Ward)|author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=28 April 2008|year=2001}}</ref> 12,541 at the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 census]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Greater Manchester Urban Area |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/greater_manchester_urban_area.asp |publisher=statistics.gov.uk |access-date=25 April 2008 |author=Office for National Statistics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205014453/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/greater_manchester_urban_area.asp |archive-date=5 February 2009 |author-link=Office for National Statistics }}</ref> and 12,800 from the ''[[Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary]]''.<ref name=miln2/>

Data from 2001 shows that of the residents in the electoral ward of Milnrow, which includes Newhey and the Piethorne Valley, 40.8% were married, 10.3% were [[Cohabitation|cohabiting]] couples, and 9.5% were lone parent families. Twenty-seven per cent of households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone at pensionable age.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=16&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209124581825&enc=1 |title=Milnrow (Ward): Household Composition |author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=3 May 2008|year=2001}}</ref> The economic activity of residents aged 16–74 was 45% in full-time employment, 12% in part-time employment, 7.7% self-employed, 2.6% unemployed, 2.1% students with jobs, 3.1% students without jobs, 13% retired, 4.6% looking after home or family, 7.4% permanently sick or disabled, and 2.3% economically inactive for other reasons. This was roughly in line with the national figures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=15&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209775102623&enc=1&dsFamilyId=21 |title=Milnrow (Ward): Economic Activity|author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=3 May 2008|year=2001}}</ref> In 2019, Milnrow East & Newhey was estimated as having one of the highest prevalence of [[Depression (mood)|depression]] in England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/06/most-depressed-english-communities-in-north-and-midlands|work=theguardian|title=Most depressed English communities 'in north and Midlands'|date=6 May 2019|last=Pidd|first=Helen}}</ref>

The place of birth of the town's residents recorded in the 2001 census was 97% United Kingdom (including 95.04% from England), 0.6% [[Republic of Ireland]], 0.5% from other [[European Union]] countries, and 2.6% from elsewhere in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=15&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209773249350&enc=1&dsFamilyId=11|title=Milnrow (Ward): Country of Birth|author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=3 May 2008|year=2001}}</ref> The [[Ethnic groups of the United Kingdom|ethnicity]] of the community was classified as 98% white, 0.7% [[Multiracial|mixed race]], 0.8% Asian, 0.2% black and 0.3% Chinese or other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=15&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209774295962&enc=1&dsFamilyId=47|title=Milnrow (Ward): Ethnic Group |author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=3 May 2008|year=2001}}</ref> In 2008, researchers with the [[University of Manchester]] noted Milnrow was a predominantly "White area", contrasted with areas within both the metropolitan boroughs of Rochdale and [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham|Oldham]] where large [[South Asian]] and [[British Asian]] communities were recorded.<ref>{{Harvnb|Simpson|Ahmed|Phillips|2008|p=11}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;"
|+ Population growth in Milnrow
! Year
! 1901
! 1911
! 1921
! 1931
! 1939
! 1951
! 1961
! 1971
! 2001
! 2011
|- Align="center"
! Population 
| 8,241 
| 8,584 
| 8,390 
| 8,623 
| 8,265 
| 8,587 
| 8,129 
| 10,345 
| 12,541
| 13,061
|-
| colspan="14" style="text-align:center;"|''Source:'''A Vision of Britain through Time
|}

Declared religion from 2001 was recorded as 80% Christian, 0.8% Muslim, 0.1% Hindu, 0.1% Buddhist, and 0.1% Jewish. Some 12.2% were recorded as having no religion, 0.2% had an alternative religion, and 6.1% did not state their religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=5941592&c=milnrow&d=14&e=15&g=353369&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1209773035368&enc=1|title=Milnrow (Ward): Lead Key Figures|author=United Kingdom Census 2001 |publisher=neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk |access-date=3 May 2008|year=2001}}</ref> Historically, in addition to [[Church of England|the established church]], branches of [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|Nonconformist Protestantism]] – particularly 18th-century [[Wesleyanism]] – were forms of [[Christian theology]] practised in Milnrow.<ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;34.</ref> In 1717, [[Francis Gastrell]], the then [[Bishop of Chester]], noted there were "a few [...] avowed [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]]" in Milnrow.<ref name=rochhist>{{cite web|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol5/pp187-201|publisher=british-history.ac.uk|title=The parish of Rochdale|access-date=24 January 2019|date=2017|version=5.0|work=A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5}}</ref> In 1773, [[Baptists]] established a chapel at Ogden;<ref name=Godfrey/> the building closed in 1964 with the congregation moving to a new building in Newhey in 1972, but retaining the name Ogden Baptist Church.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://baptisthistory.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/WESTBOOK.pdf|publisher=baptisthistory.org.uk|title=The Rochdale Baptists 1773 – 1973: A Short History|date=1973|access-date=5 September 2019}}</ref> The [[Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion]] established a school in Milnrow in 1840, and St Stephen's Church building in 1861, attracting clergy and worshippers with leanings to [[Methodism]] and [[Calvinism]]; the congregation severed ties with the Connexion in 1865, and chose to join the [[Congregational Union of England and Wales|Congregational Union]].<ref name=pressreader>{{cite news |date=25 March 2017 |title='Iron church', textile giants and industrial chain gangs |work=The Rochdale Observer |location=Rochdale }}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Dale Street, Milnrow, Greater Manchester.jpg|thumb|right|Dale Street is Milnrow's main linear commercial [[thoroughfare]], lined with [[convenience store]]s, beauty services, food outlets and other independent businesses.]]
Prior to deindustrialisation in the late-20th century, Milnrow's economy was linked closely with a spinning and weaving tradition which had origins with domestic workshops but evolved in parallel with developments in [[textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution]]. Industries ancillary to textile production were present in the 19th century, such as coal mining at [[Tunshill]],<ref name="GMArch35"/> [[metalworking]] at Butterworth Hall,<ref>{{Harvnb|Godman|1996|p=63}}</ref> and [[Brickworks|brickmaking]] at Newhey.<ref name=1890s>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/the-1890s-1145212|title=The 1890s|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2007|access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref> Newhey Brick & Terracotta Works opened in 1899,<ref name=1890s/> while Butterworth Hall Colliery was the largest colliery in the Rochdale region, employing around 300 men in 1912.<ref name=Godman59>{{Harvnb|Godman|1996|p=59}}.</ref> It was sunk as a commercial venture in 1861, opened fully in 1865, and was acquired by the [[Platt Brothers]] in 1881, continuing in their ownership until closure in 1928.<ref name=nmrs>{{cite web|url=https://www.nmrs.org.uk/mines-map/coal-mining-in-the-british-isles/lancashire-coalfield/rochdale-oldham-coalfield/butterworth-hall-colliery-1865-1925/|publisher=nmrs.org.uk|author=National Mine Research Society|title=Butterworth Hall Colliery (1865–1928)|access-date=29 April 2018}}</ref> Modern sectors in the area include engineering, [[packaging]] materials, the [[dye]]ing and [[Finishing (textiles)|finishing]] of textiles and carpets, and [[ink]] production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=925|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718191856/http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=925|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 July 2011|publisher=link4life.org|author=Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust|access-date=10 June 2008|title=Milnrow & Newhey}}</ref> Milnrow constitutes a district centre, and Dale Street, its main [[thoroughfare]], forms a linear commercial area with [[convenience store]]s, restaurants and food outlets, and a mix of independent shops and services including [[hairdressing]] and legal services.<ref name=shop>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/8|title=Shopping and Commerce|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|date=1986|access-date=13 April 2018|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|2006|p=75}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council|2006|p=80}}</ref> An [[Aldi]] supermarket was opened in 2016 by [[Bianca Walkden]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/101795/new-aldi-store-opens-in-milnrow|work=Rochdale Online|title=New Aldi store opens in Milnrow|date=17 March 2016|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> while The Milnrow Balti won the 2019 ''[[Curry Life]]'' award for Best Restaurant in Greater Manchester.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/131211/milnrow-restaurant-and-takeaway-named-curry-life-awards-best-restaurant|work=Rochdale Online|title=Milnrow restaurant and takeaway named Curry Life Awards Best Restaurant|date=9 November 2019|access-date=11 November 2019}}</ref> There are smaller, lower-order shops in Newhey.<ref name=change/><ref name=shop/> [[Animal husbandry]], [[grazing]] and other [[farming]] practices occur on [[pasture]]s at Milnrow's rural fringe.<ref name="Bullock 2009 5"/>

The biggest employers in Milnrow are Holroyd Machine Tools, part of Precision Technologies Group who have been based in the town since they moved from Manchester in 1896.<ref name=Godman62>{{Harvnb|Godman|1996|p=62}}.</ref> In the early-20th century they operated a [[foundry]] in Whitehall Street and employed engineers and apprentices.<ref name=Godman62/> In 2006 Holroyd had a workforce of 160, and its parent company Renold PLC employed a further 200 people at a base in there.<ref name=buyers>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/514/514817_buyers_are_all_set_to_move_in_on_company.html |title=Buyers are all set to move in on company|author=Foster, Stephen|publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk|date=4 July 2006|access-date=22 April 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/community/rochdale_150/work/s/510/510701_in_gear_for_good_news_story_still_on_the_run.html |title=In gear for good news story still on the run |publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk |date=20 March 2006 |author=Anon |access-date=22 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828113848/http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/community/rochdale_150/work/s/510/510701_in_gear_for_good_news_story_still_on_the_run.html |archive-date=28 August 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.renold.com/Company/Addresses/UnitedKingdom4.asp|publisher=renold.com|year=2004|access-date=29 April 2003|title=Renold Gears, Rochdale}}</ref> Since 2010 Holroyd has been owned by the [[Chongqing]]-based CQME group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drivesncontrols.com/news/archivestory.php/aid/2836/Holroyd_gets_Chinese_owner_in__A320m_deal.html|publisher=drivesncontrols.com|title=Holroyd gets Chinese owner in £20m deal|date=18 March 2010|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> Holroyd at Milnrow was visited by [[Nick Clegg]] in his capacity as [[Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] in April 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/55139/nick-clegg-announces-regional-growth-fund-winners-in-rochdale|date=13 April 2011|access-date=28 April 2018|title=Nick Clegg announces Regional Growth Fund winners in Rochdale|work=Rochdale Online}}</ref> Global industrial and consumer packaging company [[Sonoco]] operate a warehouse in the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonoco.com/SonocoLocations/SearchEngine.asp|author=Sonoco Products|publisher=sonoco.com|access-date=22 April 2008|title=Sonoco Locations|author-link=Sonoco Products}}</ref> Over half-a-million units of local delicacy [[Rag Pudding]] are mass-produced by Jackson's Farm Fayre in their Milnrow factory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/rochdaleobserver/news/s/527090_rag_trades_puds_tapas_to_shame|publisher=menmedia.co.uk|title=Rag trades 'puds' tapas to shame|date=28 April 2007|access-date=17 December 2012|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|first=Stephen|last=Foster}}</ref> In Newhey, [[Sun Chemical]] produce printer inks and supplies,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/business/P/612/printers-services-and-supplies|work=Rochdale Online|access-date=17 December 2012|title=Printers Services & Supplies in Rochdale}}</ref> and Newhey Carpets design and produce carpets from a former [[Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway]] warehouse.<ref name=Godfrey/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newheycarpets.co.uk/|at=About; and Contact Us|publisher=newheycarpets.co.uk|access-date=24 December 2012|title=Newhey Carpets}}</ref> At Ogden, textiles are dyed and finished by PW Greenhalgh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwgreenhalgh.com/contact_us.html|publisher=pwgreenhalgh.com|title=Contact Us|access-date=24 December 2012}}</ref>

[[Kingsway Business Park]] will be a {{convert|420|acre|km2|1|adj=on}} "business-focused, mixed use development" occupying land between Milnrow and Rochdale, adjacent to junction 21 of the [[M62 motorway]]; it is expected to employ 7,250 people directly and 1,750 people indirectly by around 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingswayuk.com/key_facts.php |title=Key Facts |access-date=15 June 2008 |publisher=Kingsway |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121044918/http://www.kingswayuk.com/key_facts.php |archive-date=21 November 2008 }}</ref> Tenants on the park in 2011 included [[JD Sports]] and [[Wincanton plc]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/rochdaleobserver/news/s/1455102_asda-to-create-800-new-jobs-with-new-distribution-centre-on-kingsway-business-park|publisher=menmedia.co.uk|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|title=Asda to create 800 new jobs with new distribution centre on Kingsway Business Park|date=9 August 2011|access-date=17 December 2012}}</ref> [[Kingsway Business Park tram stop]] was built as part of Phase 3a of [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]]'s expansion, and serves Kingsway Business Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/Oldham_Rochdale.html |author=Light Rail Transit Association |title=Manchester to Oldham and Rochdale |access-date=31 October 2008 |date=24 September 2008 |publisher=lrta.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211143030/http://www.lrta.org/Manchester/Oldham_Rochdale.html |archive-date=11 February 2012 |author-link=Light Rail Transit Association }}</ref>

==Landmarks==
{{see also|Listed buildings in Milnrow}}
{{multiple image
| align     = right
| direction = vertical
| width     = 180
| image1    = St Thomas's, Newhey cropped.jpg
| caption1  = St Thomas's at [[Newhey]] has been described as "the most distinctive and splendid building in the district".<ref name="Hignett33"/>
| image2    = Milnrow War Memorial.jpg
| caption2  = Milnrow War Memorial is a Grade II listed structure listing the men who fought and died in the two world wars.
}}
Milnrow's historic architecture is chiefly marked by its 18th-century sandstone [[weavers' cottage]]s,{{sfnp|Hartwell|Hyde|Pevsner|2004|p=46|ps=}} three-storey "fine stone domestic workshops" with [[mullion]]ed windows.<ref name="GMArch35"/><ref name="Frangopulo 1977, p. 29"/><ref>Frangopulo (1977), p.&nbsp;149.</ref><ref name=housingcont/> Also known as loomshops or loomhouses, it was estimated in 1982 that Milnrow likely had the greatest concentration of surviving weavers cottages in North West England.<ref>{{Harvnb|Trinder|1982|p=192}}</ref> A [[conservation area]] was created in Ogden in 1974 to protect a range of [[stable]]s, [[farm house]]s and former [[school]]house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/pdf/2014-07-24-ogden-ca.pdf|publisher=rochdale.gov.uk|author=Rochdale Council|date=24 July 2014|access-date=17 April 2018|title=Ogden Conservation Area}}</ref> Two conservation areas were created in 2006 at Butterworth Hall, covering domestic and municipal buildings respectively in central Milnrow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/pdf/butterworth%20hall%20conservation%20area.pdf|title=Butterworth Hall Conservation Area|date=24 July 2014|access-date=17 April 2018|publisher=rochdale.gov.uk|author=Rochdale Council}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/pdf/2014-07-24-butterworth-hall-municipal-buildings-ca.pdf|title=Butterworth Hall (Municipal Buildings) Conservation Area|date=24 July 2014|access-date=17 April 2018|publisher=rochdale.gov.uk|author=Rochdale Council}}</ref> Former [[family seat]]s and [[manor house]]s – of mostly medieval origin – in the area have included Belfield Hall, Butterworth Hall, [[Clegg Hall]], and Schofield Hall. Belfield Hall, at Milnrow's western boundary with Rochdale, was occupied by a variety of dignitaries, including two [[High Sheriff of Lancashire|High Sheriffs of Lancashire]] — Alexander Butterworth and [[Towneley family|Richard Townley]].<ref name="County of Lanc"/><ref name="Milnrow timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=1064 |title=Events in Milnrow 1400–1929! |publisher=link4link.org |author=Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust |access-date=22 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718191916/http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=1064 |archive-date=18 July 2011 }}</ref> [[Clegg Hall]], at Milnrow's northern boundary with [[Littleborough, Greater Manchester|Littleborough]], is an early-17th century [[country house]] with [[listed building|Grade II* listed building]] status.<ref name=pressreader/>

The Grade II listed Church of St James, Milnrow's [[Anglican parish church]], was built in 1869 and is dedicated to [[James, son of Zebedee|James the Apostle]].<ref name="NHLE">{{NHLE |num=1260729 |desc=Church of Saint James, Milnrow |year=2001 |access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> It is part of the [[Church of England]] and lies within the [[Anglican Diocese of Manchester]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manchester.anglican.org/churches_detail.asp?ID=319 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807134510/http://www.manchester.anglican.org/churches?ID=319 |archive-date=7 August 2011 |publisher=manchester.anglican.org |title=Milnrow, Saint James |access-date=24 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The origins of the church can be traced to a [[chantry]] or [[oratory (worship)|oratory]] built by the Byrons in the year 1400. When that ruling family moved from Milnrow to another of their homes following the [[Wars of the Roses]], the local population was left without a place of worship and a chapel was constructed by the [[River Beal]] in 1496 to serve this community.<ref name="Hignett32"/> This structure existed until the 1790s, when a "poorly designed" chapel was erected and consecrated; however, due to structural weaknesses, that church was demolished in 1814.<ref name="Hignett32"/> Following an interim period when a "plain building" was used for worship, the present church building was built and consecrated by [[James Fraser (bishop)|James Fraser]], the [[Bishop of Manchester]], on 21 August 1869.<ref name="Hignett33"/> Inside, the [[capital (architecture)|capitals]] have foliage decoration sculpted by the "foremost Victorian stonemason" [[Thomas Earp (sculptor)|Thomas Earp]].{{sfnp|Hartwell|Hyde|Pevsner|2004|p=521|ps=}}<ref name="NHLE"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/27806/events-in-rochdale/milnrow-parish-church-st-james-the-apostle-heritage-open-days|title=Milnrow Parish Church: St James the Apostle – Heritage Open Days|work=Rochdale Online|date=2014|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

Described as "by far the most distinctive and splendid building in the district",<ref name="Hignett33">Hignett, (1991), p.&nbsp;33.</ref> the [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-Gothic]] Newhey, St Thomas parish church was built in 1876 and served a new Anglican parish of Newhey created in the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10355187&c_id=|publisher=visionofbritain.org.uk|title=A vision of Newhey EP|access-date=2 May 2008}}</ref> Dedicated to [[Thomas the Apostle]], it is part of the Church of England, and its patron is the Bishop of Manchester.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=53030|publisher=british-history.ac.uk |title=Townships – Butterworth|access-date=4 May 2008}}</ref> The church was extensively damaged in an arson attack on 21 December 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1029652_church_hit_by_fire|publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk|date=24 December 2007|author1=McKeegan, A.  |author2=Beckett, J. |name-list-style=amp |title=Church hit by fire|access-date=10 June 2008}}</ref> but later restored in full.<ref name=Godfrey/>

Milnrow War Memorial is located in Milnrow Memorial Park at Newhey, and is a Grade II listed structure.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1162572 |desc=Milnrow War Memorial |year=2001 |access-date=23 April 2008}}</ref> The [[war memorial]] was originally sited in central Milnrow, set back from the road near Milnrow Bridge, and was unveiled on 3 August 1924 by Major General [[Arthur Solly-Flood]], a former commander of [[42nd (East Lancashire) Division]]. The memorial is constructed of sandstone surmounted by a bronze statue of a [[World War I|First World War]] [[infantry]]man with rifle and fixed [[bayonet]] symbolic of the young manhood of the district in the early days of the First World War. In selecting the design the Milnrow War Memorial Committee was influenced by the statue unveiled at [[Waterhead, Greater Manchester|Waterhead in Oldham]]; the work of George Thomas. Thomas sculpted Milnrow's memorial in 1923. The plinth holds bronze and slate panels recording the names of those who died in the two World Wars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/local_history_and_heritage/memorial_-_maintenance.aspx |title=Memorial – maintenance |author=Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council |publisher=rochdale.gov.uk |access-date=25 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017051951/http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/local_history_and_heritage/memorial_-_maintenance.aspx |archive-date=17 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmsa.cch.kcl.ac.uk/MR/MR-ROC25.htm |title=Milnrow War Memorial |author=Public Monuments and Sculpture Association |date=16 June 2003 |access-date=3 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209140011/http://pmsa.cch.kcl.ac.uk/MR/MR-ROC25.htm |archive-date=9 February 2012 |author-link=Public Monuments and Sculpture Association }}</ref>

In Newhey is the [[Ellenroad Ring Mill Engine|Ellenroad Steam Museum]], the retained engine house, boiler house, chimney and [[steam engine]] of [[Ellenroad Mill]], a former 1892-built [[cotton mill]] designed by [[Sir Philip Stott, 1st Baronet]]. Now operated as an [[industrial heritage]] centre, the mill itself is no longer standing, but the steam engine (the world's largest working steam mill engine)<ref name="Ellenroad">{{cite web|url=http://www.industrialpowerhouse.co.uk/attractiondetail.asp?id=39|title=Ellenroad Steam Museum|publisher=industrialpowerhouse.co.uk|access-date=1 May 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927192155/http://www.industrialpowerhouse.co.uk/attractiondetail.asp?id=39 |archive-date = 27 September 2007}}</ref> is maintained and steamed once a month by the Ellenroad Trust.<ref>McNeil, R. & Nevell, M. (2000), p.&nbsp;39.</ref> The museum has the only fully working cotton mill engine with its original steam-raising plant in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ellenroad.org.uk/|title=Welcome to Ellenroad!|publisher=ellenroad.org.uk|access-date=1 May 2008}}</ref> Ellenroad Mill produced fine cotton [[yarn]] using [[Spinning mule|mule spinning]].<ref name="Ellenroad"/> A 1907-built, working tandem compound condensing engine, made by [[William McNaught (Rochdale)|J. & W. McNaught]] for Firgrove Mill in Milnrow, is displayed in the [[Science and Industry Museum]] in central Manchester.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8404994/firgrove-mill-steam-engine-steam-engine|publisher=sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk|title=Firgrove Mill Steam Engine|access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/manchesters-museum-of-science-and-industry-needs-some-help/|publisher=aboutmanchester.co.uk|title=Manchester's Science and Industry Museum needs some help|first=Nigel|last=Barlow|date=21 January 2020|access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{multiple image
| align     = left
| direction = vertical
| width     = 220
| image1    = M62 motorway from Tunshill.jpg
| caption1  = A [[Long-exposure photography|long-exposure photograph]] of the [[M62 motorway]] at [[Tunshill]].
| image2    = Milnrow, Lancashire Metrolink stop (geograph 3437427, cropped).jpg
| caption2  = [[Milnrow tram stop]] opened on the [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]] system on 28 February 2013.
}}
Public transport in Milnrow is co-ordinated by [[Transport for Greater Manchester]], and services include bus and [[light rail]] transport. Major [[A roads in Great Britain|A roads]] link Milnrow with other settlements – the [[A640 road]], which forms a route from Newhey and over the Pennines into [[Huddersfield]] and [[West Yorkshire]], was established by a [[turnpike trust]] in 1805.<ref name=lg15881/> Another A road is the Elizabethan Way [[bypass (road)|bypass]], which was opened around 1971 to coincide with the opening of Junction 21 of the trans-Pennine [[M62 motorway]].<ref name=tran/> Construction of the Milnrow part of the M62 began in April 1967,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/community/rochdale_150/motoring/s/514/514330_unlocking_the_door_to_heart_of_the_nation.html|title=Unlocking the door to heart of the nation|date=17 June 2006|access-date=25 April 2008|publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906163504/http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/community/rochdale_150/motoring/s/514/514330_unlocking_the_door_to_heart_of_the_nation.html|archive-date=6 September 2008 }}</ref> a process which spread mud and dirt throughout the town,<ref name="Hignett35">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;35.</ref> and the relocation of inhabitants due to the demolition of homes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/no-fairies-at-the-bottom-of-this-garden-1034523|work=Manchester Evening News|title=No fairies at the bottom of this garden|access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref> The official opening of the motorway on 13 October 1971 was by [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]], who was welcomed by [[Ralph Assheton, 1st Baron Clitheroe]] in his role as [[Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire]], as well as the chairman of Milnrow Urban District Council and his wife.<ref name="Hignett35"/> Once opened, the Queen cast aside protocol for an informal meeting with the people of Milnrow.<ref name="Hignett35"/> A [[Highways England]] motorway compound is located in Milnrow.<ref name=tran/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/on-a-highway-patrol-973571|work=Manchester Evening News|date=18 April 2010|access-date=15 May 2018|title=On a highway patrol|first=Dean|last=Kirby}}</ref>

Milnrow had a [[List of town tramway systems in the United Kingdom|first-generation electric passenger tramway]] in operation between 1909 and 1932. It was part of the broader [[Rochdale Corporation Tramways]] network, with a single route which started initially from Firgrove in the west, and joining Newhey in the south when the line was completed in 1912.<ref name=Godfrey/><ref name=lg28312/> The tramway had a reputation for poor maintenance, and suffered from increasingly frequent derailments towards its closure.<ref name=Godfrey/> The modern extant [[Milnrow tram stop]] is part of the [[Manchester Metrolink|Metrolink]] light-rail system, on the Oldham and Rochdale Line, with services operating towards Rochdale or [[Manchester city centre]] every 12 minutes. It was previously a [[heavy rail]]way station on the [[Oldham Loop Line]] which connected [[Manchester]], [[Oldham]] and [[Rochdale]].<ref name=Roc33/> The station was constructed in 1862 by [[navvies]] drafted by contractors under the [[Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway]]. On 12 August 1863 the line was opened to commercial traffic, and 2 November 1863 to passenger trains.<ref name="Hignett26">Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;26.</ref> Milnrow railway station was originally staffed, and the line through it was dual-track; however this section was reduced to single-track in 1980.<ref name="Hignett26"/> Milnrow railway station closed on 3 October 2009 to be converted for use with an expanded Metrolink network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1150326_signalman_reaches_end_of_line|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=5 October 2009|date=1 October 2009|title=Signalman reaches end of line|last=Kirby|first=Dean}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1069009_end_of_era_as_loop_line_is_replaced|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=5 October 2009|date=26 September 2008|title=End of era as loop line is replaced}}</ref> The station reopened on 28 February 2013 as Milnrow tram stop; also opening at this time in the Milnrow area was [[Kingsway Business Park tram stop]] and [[Newhey tram stop]].<ref name=metopen/>

The [[Rochdale Canal]]—one of the major navigable broad [[canals of Great Britain]]—passes along Milnrow's north-western boundary which divides it from the village of [[Wardle, Greater Manchester|Wardle]] and districts of [[Belfield, Greater Manchester|Belfield]] and [[Castleton, Greater Manchester|Castleton]] in Rochdale.<ref name="Rochdale 1908">{{cite map|title=Rochdale|edition=1908|publisher=Alan Godfrey Maps|cartography=[[Ordnance Survey]]|isbn=1-84151-384-9|section=Lancashire Sheet 89.01|year=2002}}</ref> The Rochdale Canal was historically used as a highway of commerce for the haulage of cotton, wool, and coal to and from the area.

Bus services 435 operates to Rochdale, Shaw and Buckstones; 450 and 451 serve Rochdale and the estates of Milnrow and Newhey, and 455 serves Rochdale, Littleborough and Stansfield. All are operated by [[First Manchester]] for [[Bee Network]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://tfgm.com/| title = Transport for Greater Manchester}}</ref>

==Education==
{{See also|List of schools in Rochdale}}
The Free School of Milnrow was founded in 1726 and was demolished in the early-1950s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Taylor|1956|p=79}}</ref> From 1739 until his death in 1786 the [[schoolmaster]] was the [[caricaturist]] [[John Collier (caricaturist)|John Collier]].<ref name="County of Lanc"/> In the mid-19th century it was part of the [[British and Foreign School Society]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Anon.|1847|p=422}}</ref> Newhey Council School was constructed in 1911,<ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;15.</ref> and now forms Newhey Community Primary School. By 1918 there were five [[Elementary school (England and Wales)|public elementary schools]]; the Milnrow and Newhey council schools; St James's of Milnrow and St Thomas' of Newhey Anglican schools; and Ogden church school.<ref name=Godfrey/> Milnrow St James School evolved into the modern primary school, Milnrow Parish Church of England Primary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milnrow Parish CofE Primary, Rochdale|url=http://www.milnrowparishce.rochdale.sch.uk/index.htm |publisher=milnrowparishce.rochdale.sch.uk|access-date=29 April 2008}}</ref> It is a denominational school with the [[Church of England]], linked with Milnrow's [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] parish church, St James's. There are further primary schools named Crossgates Primary and Moorhouse Primary, both of which are non-denominational.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newhey.rochdale.sch.uk/|publisher=newhey.rochdale.sch.uk|access-date=29 April 2008|title=Newhey Community Primary School}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossgates.rochdale.sch.uk/|publisher=crossgates.rochdale.sch.uk|title=Crossgates Primary School: Welcome to our school|access-date=18 June 2008}}</ref> Crossgates Primary School won the [[British Council]]'s [[International School Award]] in 2010 for its teaching of culture and [[global citizenship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/49217/award-triumph-for-milnrow-school|work=Rochdale Online|date=11 November 2010|access-date=16 April 2018|title=Award triumph for Milnrow school}}</ref> [[Hollingworth Academy]] is a secondary school in Milnrow with [[Academy (English school)|Academy school status]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollingworthbec.co.uk/|publisher=hollingworthbec.co.uk|title=Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College|access-date=2 May 2008}}</ref> It occupies the site of the former Roch Valley County Secondary School, which opened in 1968 and closed in 1990.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bullock|Blythe|2009|p=3}}</ref> It is a co-educational school of non-denominational religion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.axcis.co.uk/28459.html|publisher=axcis.co.uk|title=Hollingworth High School, Rochdale |access-date=2 May 2008}}</ref>

==Sports and culture==
Milnrow has a "distinct and separate character".<ref name=coop/> It is one of the towns of [[northern England]] that observed the custom of [[Rushbearing]], an annual Anglican religious festival where [[Juncaceae|rushes]] are brought by [[rushcart]] to by strewn in the [[parish church]] to refresh the flooring. Milnrow's Rushbearing occurred on the Sunday prior to [[James, son of Zebedee|St James's Day]],<ref name=burt73/> and in 1717, [[Francis Gastrell]], the [[Bishop of Chester]], wrote that Milnrow's festival was a particularly "disorderly custom".<ref name=burt73>{{Harvnb|Burton|1891|p=73}}</ref> Parishioners would travel as far as [[Marsden, West Yorkshire|Marsden]] to gather rushes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marsdenhistory.co.uk/leisure/public-houses/|publisher=marsdenhistory.co.uk|title=Public houses|access-date=22 April 2018|author=Marsden History Group}}</ref> Established in 1968,<ref name=carn>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/118732/milnrow-and-newhey-carnival-celebrating-50-years-with-golden-jubilee-and-the-60s-theme|title=Milnrow and Newhey Carnival celebrating 50 years with Golden Jubilee and the 60s theme|work=Rochdale Online|access-date=16 May 2018|date=11 May 2018}}</ref> Milnrow and Newhey Carnival is an annual summer community [[parade]] with [[Float (parade)|floats]], [[morris dance]]rs and [[brass band]]s.<ref name=carn/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/17 |title=Milnrow Carnival|date=1986|access-date=16 April 2018|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|publisher=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The Milnrow Band is a [[British brass band]] ranked as a "top class group of amateur musicians".<ref name=band/> It formed from a succession of mergers and amalgamations of Milnrow- and Rochdale-based brass bands,<ref>{{harvnb|Holman|2018|p=}}</ref> the earliest of which was St Stephen's Band founded in Milnrow in 1869.<ref name=band/> In 2006 it was promoted to the top-rank [[Brass band sections in the United Kingdom|Championship section of Great Britain]], and in 2017 were the All England Masters International Champions.<ref name=band>{{cite web|url=http://milnrowband.co.uk/about/4593951513|publisher=milnrowband.co.uk|title=About Milnrow Band|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref> In his 2015 memoir, the Manchester-born comedy-singer [[Mike Harding]] recalled "a place called Milnrow, on the extreme edge of the then known world, [...where...] everything stopped for pie and peas".<ref>{{harvnb|Harding|2015|p=}}</ref>

[[Milnrow Cricket Club]] is based at Ladyhouse in Milnrow, and has played in the [[Central Lancashire Cricket League]] since its foundation in 1892. The club formed in 1857 from a group of local businessmen who felt the district deserved its own distinct team. Originally, members of the club were recruited and teams were selected to play other clubs in the surrounding townships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milnrowcc.com/History.html|title=150 Years of History|publisher=milnrowcc.com|access-date=2 May 2008}}</ref> Later players have included [[Cec Abrahams]], who joined the club in 1961, having previously played for the [[South Africa national cricket team]].<ref name=abs>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/the-father-of-a-cricketing-dynasty-1162003|title=The father of a cricketing dynasty|date=13 August 2007|access-date=11 April 2018|work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Used for casual, amateur and organised leagues and tournaments, The Soccer Village in Milnrow consists of four indoor pitches in an arena with grandstand spectator seating for 300.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccervillage.net/|publisher=soccervillage.net|title=Welcome to The Soccer Village Website|access-date=2 May 2008}}</ref> There has been a [[golf course]] at [[Tunshill]] since 1901.<ref name=golf>{{cite web|url=http://www.tunshillgolfclub.co.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx/ |title=Welcome to the Tunshill Golf Club Website |access-date=23 April 2008 |publisher=tunshillgolfclub.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328123109/http://www.tunshillgolfclub.co.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx |archive-date=28 March 2008 }}</ref> It is affiliated with the [[English Golf Union]]. Land in Firgrove was gifted to Milnrow Council in November 1934 for use as a [[pitch (sports field)|sports pitch]], establishing the Firgrove Playing Fields.<ref name=agenda/> They are used for [[rugby league]], rounders and association football,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consultations.rochdale.gov.uk/council-wide/playing-pitches-strategy/supporting_documents/Play%20Pitch%20Strategy%20.pdf|publisher=consultations.rochdale.gov.uk|title=Rochdale Borough Council Playing Pitch Strategy 2016–2026|date=September 2016|access-date=30 April 2018|author=Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council}}</ref> and are the home of Rochdale Cobras ARLFC,<ref name=barla>{{cite web|url=https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/rochdale-cobras-arlfc|work=Rochdale Online|title=Rochdale Cobras ARLFC|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref> a club which won the [[British Amateur Rugby League Association]] "Club of the Year" award in 2011.<ref name=barla/> New Milnrow and Newhey Rugby League Club is a further local rugby league club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/9263/milnrow-and-newhey-arlfc-reunion|work=Rochdale Online|date=12 June 2008|access-date=11 April 2018|title=Milnrow & Newhey ARLFC Reunion}}</ref>

Milnrow Memorial Park includes a multi-purpose asphalt football/basketball court, a bowling green, children's play park and a concrete skatepark.

==Public utilities==
[[File:Ogden Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1185298.jpg|thumb|right|Ogden Reservoir is one of six [[Victorian era|Victorian-era]] reservoirs in Milnrow's Piethorne Valley]]
[[File:Windy Hill (geograph 2734544).jpg|thumb|right|The [[M62 motorway]] and [[transmitter station]] on Milnrow's [[Windy Hill (Pennines)|Windy Hill]]. During the [[Cold War]], the transmitter station was networked to maintain communications across Britain in the event of [[nuclear warfare]].]]
Milnrow was identified as a suitable source of [[drinking water]] on an industrial scale in the [[Victorian era]], when the [[County Borough of Oldham|Oldham Corporation]] obtained rights to dam the [[Piethorne Brook]].<ref name=insti>{{Harvnb|Institution of Civil Engineers|1872|p=208}}</ref> Excavations began in 1858, and concluded in 1863 with the opening of the [[Piethorne Reservoir]].<ref name=insti/> By 1869, the Oldham Corporation acknowledged there was "an absolute necessity for an extra water supply",<ref name=insti/> and further reservoirs were created using [[Compulsory purchase in England and Wales|English compulsory purchase powers]] granted to the Corporation by virtue of the Oldham Improvement Act 1880.<ref name=lg25533/> In 1918, the Oldham Corporation was still one of the largest landowners in Milnrow.<ref name=Godfrey/> [[United Utilities]] now operate the reservoir.<ref name="UU"/>

In 1950, the [[General Post Office]] was contracted to construct a new-generation [[British Telecom microwave network]], transmitting [[BBC television]] across Great Britain. By 1951, a [[transmitter station]] had been built on Milnrow's outlying [[Windy Hill (Pennines)|Windy Hill]], carrying signals broadcast from Manchester to [[Tinshill]] and then on to [[Kirk o'Shotts transmitting station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dgsys.co.uk/btmicrowave/sites/125.php|title=Windy Hill|publisher=dgsys.co.uk|date=15 July 2017|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref> Initially overlooked for a site in [[Saddleworth]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=Backbone_radio_link_and_radio_standby_to_line_links_for_safeguarding_vital_communications |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091004031612/http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title%3DBackbone_radio_link_and_radio_standby_to_line_links_for_safeguarding_vital_communications |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2009 |title=Backbone radio link and radio standby to line links for safeguarding vital communications. |work=British GPO paper |date=July 1956 |publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)]] CAB 134/1207 }}</ref> in the late-1950s, Windy Hill transmitter station became part of Britain's "[[backbone network]]", a series of [[telecommunications towers in the United Kingdom]] designed to maintain communications in the event of a [[Cold War]]-era nuclear attack.<ref>{{Harvnb|Craine|Ryan|2011|pp=139–140}}</ref> The station forms a landmark on the landscape, adjacent to the [[Pennine Way]] long-distance footpath and [[M62 motorway]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Bowden|2015|p=}}</ref>

[[Waste management]] is co-ordinated by the local authority via the [[Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmwda.gov.uk/|title=Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA)|publisher=gmwda.gov.uk|author=Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority|year=2008|access-date=8 February 2008|author-link=Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority}}</ref> Milnrow's [[distribution network operator]] for electricity is [[United Utilities]];<ref name="UU">{{cite web|url=http://www.unitedutilities.com/?OBH=413&SCH=rochdale&ID=1416|title=Rochdale|publisher=unitedutilities.com|author=United Utilities|date=6 April 2007|access-date=8 February 2008|author-link=United Utilities}}</ref> there are no [[power station]]s in the area, but a [[Wind farm]] exists on Scout Moor which consists of 26 turbines on the high moors between [[Rawtenstall]] and Rochdale, generating 65[[Megawatt|MW]] of electricity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scoutmoorwindfarm.co.uk/indexorig.html|publisher=scoutmoorwindfarm.co.uk|title=Scout Moor Wind Farm|access-date=2 March 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080209124954/http://www.scoutmoorwindfarm.co.uk/indexorig.html |archive-date = 9 February 2008}}</ref>

[[Home Office]] policing in Milnrow is provided by the [[Greater Manchester Police]]. The force's "(P) Division" have their headquarters for policing the [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale]] in Rochdale and the nearest police station is at [[Littleborough, Greater Manchester|Littleborough]] to the north.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmp.police.uk/division11/pages/pennine.htm|title=Pennine policing area|author=Greater Manchester Police|publisher=gmp.police.uk|date=26 January 2006|access-date=22 April 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071107105703/http://www.gmp.police.uk/division11/pages/pennine.htm |archive-date = 7 November 2007|author-link=Greater Manchester Police}}</ref> [[Fire service in the United Kingdom|Statutory emergency fire and rescue service]] is provided by the [[Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service]], which has one station in Rochdale on Halifax Road.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/my-area/rochdale.aspx|publisher=manchesterfire.gov.uk|author=Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service|access-date=7 March 2008|title=My area: Rochdale |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080306003130/http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/my-area/rochdale.aspx |archive-date = 6 March 2008|author-link=Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service}}</ref>

There are no hospitals in Milnrow—the nearest are in Oldham and Rochdale; the [[Royal Oldham Hospital]] and [[Rochdale Infirmary]] are managed by the [[Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust]], a part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group. The [[North West Ambulance Service]] provides emergency patient transport. [[Primary care]] and [[general practice]] occurs at Stonefield Street Surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stonefieldstreetsurgery.co.uk/|publisher=stonefieldstreetsurgery.co.uk|access-date=5 September 2019|title=Stonefield Street Surgery}}</ref> The Milnrow Village Practice was surveyed as the 2nd best general practice in Greater Manchester for [[patient experience]] in both 2018 and 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/gp-paitents-survey-nhs-manchester-15016341|title=How do patients rate the GP surgery you go to?|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=5 September 2019|date=13 August 2018|first1=David|last1=Ottewell|first2=Rebecca|last2=Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/gp-surgery-patient-experience-rankings-16853473|work=Manchester Evening News|date=4 September 2019|access-date=5 September 2019|title=How good is your doctor's surgery? Check the rating of every practice in Greater Manchester with our widget|first1=David|last1=Ottewell|last2=Yarwood|first2=Sam}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{See also|List of people from Rochdale}}
[[File:John Collier blue plaque.jpg|thumb|right|A [[blue plaque]] commemorating the 18th-century [[Caricature|caricaturist]] and satirical poet [[John Collier (caricaturist)|John Collier]].]]
[[John Collier (caricaturist)|John Collier]] (1708-1786), (who wrote under the [[pseudonym]] of Tim Bobbin) was an acclaimed 18th-century [[Caricature|caricaturist]] and [[satirical]] poet who was raised and spent all his adult life in Milnrow.<ref name=domejohn>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-392000-411000/page/20|publisher=bbc.co.uk|title=John Collier – "Tim Bobbin"|work=[[BBC Domesday Reloaded]]|access-date=9 April 2018|date=1986}}</ref> Born in [[Urmston]] in 1708, Collier was [[schoolmaster]] for Milnrow.<ref name=domejohn/> Inspired by [[William Hogarth]], Collier was admired by Sir [[Walter Scott]],<ref name=Godfrey/> and called a "man of original genius" by [[Edward Baines (1774–1848)|Edward Baines]].<ref name=baines/> His work savagely lampooned the behaviour of [[upper class|upper]] and [[Working class|lower classes]] alike, and was written in a strong [[Lancashire dialect and accent|Lancashire dialect]].<ref name=domejohn/><ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;39.</ref> Many of his works and personal possessions are preserved in Milnrow Library,<ref>Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (N.D.), p.&nbsp;33.</ref> and he is commemorated in the name of a "prominent pub" in central Milnrow.<ref name=Roc33/><ref name=domejohn/> Collier's great-grandson—also called John and a native of Milnrow—was one of the founding members of the [[Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers]].<ref name=coop/>

[[Francis Robert Raines]] (1805–1878) was the Anglican [[vicar]] of Milnrow, and an antiquary who contributed to the [[Chetham Society]] publications.<ref name="Raines">{{cite web |title=Early Ministers of Milnrow |url=https://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Rochdale/Milnrow/ministers.html |publisher=Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerk Project |access-date=2019-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025165918/http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Milnrow/ministers.html |archive-date=2007-10-25 |url-status=live}}</ref> He was ordained in 1828 and, after short appointments at [[Saddleworth]] and Rochdale, he was vicar at Milnrow for the rest of his life.<ref name="Raines"/> [[John Milne]] was a professor, geologist and mining engineer who invented a pioneering [[seismograph]] (known as the Milne-Shaw seismograph) to detect and measure earthquakes. Although born in [[Liverpool]] in 1850 owing to a brief visit there by his parents, Milne was raised in Rochdale and at Tunshill in Milnrow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1021736_famous_scientists_on_road_to_name_wrangle|title=Famous scientists on road to name wrangle|date=27 October 2007|author=McKeegan, Alice|publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk|access-date=25 April 2008}}</ref><ref>Hignett (1991), p.&nbsp;38.</ref>

Other notable people of Milnrow include [[Cec Abrahams]] (1932– 2007), a [[South Africa]]n-born international [[cricket]]er, who settled in the town during the 1960s and played for the local cricket club,<ref name=abs/> [[Chris Dunphy]] (born 1950), the Milnrow-born chairman of [[Rochdale A.F.C.]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/sep/12/rochdale.leaguetwofootball|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Homespun Rochdale offer stability away from the Billionaire Boys' Clubs|first=John|last=Ashdown|access-date=28 April 2018|date=21 September 2008}}</ref> and [[Lizzy Bardsley]] (born 1973), who, in 2003, gained fame from appearing on [[Channel 4]]'s ''[[Wife Swap (UK TV series)|Wife Swap]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/333/333776_wifeswap_lizzy_insists_im_a_star.html|title=Wife-swap Lizzy insists: 'I'm a star'|date=14 October 2003|access-date=25 April 2008|author=Hopton, Katie|publisher=rochdaleobserver.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4016233.stm|title='Wife Swap' star's benefit charge|work=[[BBC News|news.bbc.co.uk]]|date=16 November 2004|access-date=10 June 2008}}</ref> [[Chris Cattlin]] (born 1946), a former professional footballer who played 273 games, [[Stuart Bithell]] (born 1986), who won a Silver Medal in the [[sailing at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's 470 class|Men's 470 class at the 2012 Summer Olympics]], was raised in Newhey,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/rochdaleobserver/news/s/1586498_let-olympics-spur-you-on-to-sporting-glory|publisher=menmedia.co.uk|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=18 August 2012|access-date=18 December 2012|title=Let Olympics spur you on to sporting glory}}</ref> and Martin Stapleton, a [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who was the 2015 [[BAMMA|BAMMA World Lightweight Champion]] resided in Milnrow as of 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/107476/martin-stapleton-declares-ufc-ambitions-after-signing-for-cage-warriors|publisher=rochdaleonline.co.uk|title=Martin Stapleton declares UFC ambitions after signing for Cage Warriors|date=12 January 2017|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/officers/Klx22J6oPX_9g7ZM0XWJJIwhp0A/appointments|publisher=companieshouse.gov.uk|author=Companies House|author-link=Companies House|title=Martin STAPLETON|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref>

==Footnote==
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Milnrow}}
{{portal|Greater Manchester}}
* [http://www.ellenroad.org.uk/ www.ellenroad.org.uk], Ellenroad Steam Museum website.
* [http://www.milnrow.co.uk/ www.milnrow.co.uk], a website about Milnrow.
* [http://milnrow.org/ milnrow.org], the website about Milnrow Evangelical Church.
* [http://www.milnrowband.org.uk/ www.milnrowband.org.uk], past, present and future of the Milnrow Band.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718191856/http://www.link4life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.showPage&pageID=925 www.link4life.org], the history of Milnrow and Newhey.

{{Greater Manchester}}
{{Good article}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Milnrow| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Greater Manchester]]
[[Category:Areas of the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale]]
[[Category:Unparished areas in Greater Manchester]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Greater Manchester]]