History of Oldham

The history of Oldham ( /ˈoʊldəm/) is one of dramatic change, from obscure Pennine hamlet to preeminent mill town and textile processing capital of the world. Oldham's industrial history includes hatting, coal mining, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, textile machinery manufacture and cotton spinning - for which the town is most noted for.

Oldham has been described as the "most prodigous" mill town in Lancashire, and the "one that grew the quickest, from most insignificant beginnings, the cotton spinning capital of the world."

Since the mid-20th century, Oldham has seen the demise of its textile industry, and the troubled integration of new cultural traditions and religions. With respect to the ensuing depression that followed Oldham's slump in textile manufacture, one author remarked that "when the fall finally came, it was the town that crashed the hardest."