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roYds oF roCHdaLe The Royds became bankers, canal petitioners and trustees of most of Rochdale’s Turnpike roads. Their wealth enabled them to buy land, build mansions, St Clements and St Edmunds Church and become traders, merchants and exporters.
Most people living in Rochdale will know Albert Royds Street and Clement Royds Street and quite possibly Royds Street, but who were the Royds? The Royds have a rich tapestry of history when you look back in the archives of our town, becoming one of Rochdale’s leading families in the 19th century. Local Author, Terry Whitworth, has written a very detailed history of the 18th and 19th century dynasty, which grew from farmerweavers, on the moors above Wardle, to become one of the town’s most prominent and wealthiest families. ‘The Royds of Rochdale’ is a comprehensive book, rich in photographs and maps, providing an enlightened journey into the rich history of the Royds family. 68
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With our present lives ruled by the Bank of England’s decisions, it is interesting to read how, although best known in the woollen trade, there grew a line of Royds who took a failing banking business and made it one of the soundest banks in the country. Rochdale had its very own bank notes and, despite its demise, Royds Bank played an important part in the town’s history. The Royds family also had wide associations with many properties in Rochdale. Greenhill was built by Thomas Royds, but was demolished in the 1930‘s and Rochdale High school for Girls was built on the site, which is now Falinge Park High School. John Royds the son of James Royds of Deeplish Hill, also lived at Falinge Hall, which he bought in 1756 and named Old Falinge. The house at Falinge Fold has been kept in quite remarkable condition ever since. ‘The Royds of Rochdale’ also includes various pedigree charts, including surnames such as Fielden, Meadowcroft,
Holdsworth, Woolfenden, Greenwood etc. Terry Whitworth’s book makes a fascinating read for anyone interested in delving into our great town’s heritage. It’s available to buy from Touchstones and George Kelsall’s bookshop, 22 Church St, Littleborough (01706 370244).