manchester tourist guide regional sightseeing
Thursday, 24th July 2003
Touchstones RochdaleThe Esplanade
Rochdale
01706 864986
Free
Tues-Fri 10am - 5.30pm; Thurs til 7.30pm; Sat & Sun 11am - 4.30pm. The centrepiece of this reinvented former library from 1903 is the smart new museum, full of well designed interactive exhibits that will appeal to kids and adults. Reached through a Time Tunnel, it depicts the social history of Rochdale via a series of colour-coded areas. The town's industrial roots, originally in wool before the arrival of King Cotton, are placed in the context of local geology and climate in Millstone Grit. There are spinning wheels, bobbins and power looms, together with displays on the transport and communication revolutions that underpinned their success. Same Difference highlights the changing face of daily life through its fine collection of ephemera and Rochdaliana, housed in real shop, pub and cinema interiors - there's even the chance to cuddle up to a Gracie Fields film in an original 'loveseat'. Slightly less comfortable is the authentically chilly recreation of a wartime air-raid shelter. People and Places celebrates the town's most famous sons and daughters, from 'Our Gracie' back to anti-Corn Law campaigner John Bright and Sam Bamford, who led Rochdale's contingent in the Peterloo Massacre of 1819. Throughout the museum there's plenty to see, do, touch and smell (the nightsoil tub, an early toilet, is a nasal treat). The town's art collection is also located here together with the local studies department. There is a good cafe-bar too.
Toilets, baby changing, food and drink, shop, group and school visits, disabled access, tours, events. Links within ManchesterOnline
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