The Area
Oldham is one of the ten Metropolitan Boroughs which comprise the County of Greater Manchester; a county that encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Originally incorporated as a municipal authority in 1849, Oldham was joined by six other district councils – Chadderton, Crompton, Failsworth, Lees, Royton & Saddleworth – in 1974 to form the Metropolitan Borough. Covering a geographical area of 55 square miles, it now has a population of 219,000.
Named for the Oldham family, who lived in Werneth Hall in the Middle Ages, Oldham earned itself a place in history by becoming the centre of the textile industry which flourished during the Industrial Revolution. Indeed, by the end of the 19th Century, Oldham was recognised as the greatest cotton spinning town in the world.
The decline in the cotton industry led to the closure of many of the original mills. However, the manufacturing industry still accounts for over 35% of the area’s employment and Oldham is currently experiencing a period of renewal and economic regeneration. This growth has been greatly influenced by the area’s excellent communications links and accessibility.
Despite this rapid industrialisation, vast swathes of the rural landscape have been virtually untouched. Today, two-thirds of the Borough remains open countryside. For example, the dramatic scenery of the country around Saddleworth, to the east of the Borough, is in major contrast to the more industrial parts of the district. Extending in to the Peak District National Park, the rugged moors provide a home for many flocks of sheep, abundant supplies of water and the picturesque Pennine villages of Uppermill, Diggle, Dobcross and Delph.
Oldham is a strong multi-cultural town including communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, India and the Ukraine among others. This rich diversity is reflected in the College itself, where 30% of the community is from an ethnic minority background.
