Rochdale Cemetery Gatehouse

This is one of the 2 Gate Houses of Rochdale Cemetery which has been greatly neglected.

Blocked gutters, leaking downspouts have led to water penetration, rotten window frames, and barred windows add to the gloom.

Basically a fine and sound building which would have been a house when the Cemetery was formed in the mid 1800's (see panoramic view on display at the entrance - pic here).

This is the last impression a visitor has as they leave the main entrance.




Sixteen founder members of the Co-op movement, including the first shopkeeper, Samuel Ashworth, are buried in Rochdale Cemetery. The council operates a museum on the site of the original shop at Toad Lane, Rochdale. Visitors to the museum may also be conducted to the cemetery to inspect the graves and memorials of the original pioneers.

The graves and memorials of the 16 original pioneers were restored in 1994 as part of the Co-op celebrations to mark their 150-year history.