Royton feature
      Royton, Oldham’s rising star!
Reflflections of Yesterday by Mark Sheppard.
Just over 200 years ago, Royton was described
as a village and chapelry, which was increasing in population, and was rapidly assuming the appearance of a regular town seated within a deep valley. It
was here, as, in most parts of the parish, that cotton manufacturers were extensive with the Union Mill being the most prominent.
In addition to which valuable branch of trade, coal was found under a considerable portion of the land.The place of worship at this period was a small Episcopal chapel of St. Paul’s, erected in 1754 on land previously bestowed by Thomas Percival, Esq. of Royton Hall. This mansion was long in the possession of the Byron family, who lived there until 1622, and were ancestors of the truly illustrious poet of that name.
After Mr Percival, the hall was possessed by Sir Joseph Radcliffe, but in 1829 it was described as falling into decay. It was largely rebuilt in the 18th Century. For many years the hall was leased to various people and during the First World War it would become home to a number of Belgian refugees along with their families. It was then demolished in 1939.
In 1828, the most notable inns at Royton were the Blue Bell, Dog and Partridge, Spinners Arms and the Spread Eagle. Interestingly the Bulls Head and the Unicorn Inn offered a stagecoach service to Manchester, as Royton’s population grew extensively. While the woollen industry remained the main stay of Saddleworth, cotton would very much be part of Royton’s economy, as was Oldham and the surrounding district. Earlier in 1811, a mere 20,000 spindles were recorded in Royton, however, this would soon change, with the boom of King Cotton. Coal was being mined at a depth of nearly 900 feet at Royton in 1832.
Royton Spinning Company’s limited fifirst mill was built in 1871, a second mill was added in 1882. Royton Wakes was held in August, and attracted over 20,000 visitors, with the sports being the main attraction.
In 1851, the population of Royton was nearly 7,000. This had increased by a further 10,000 residents by 1911. Royton Town Hall was opened in
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