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The District of Moorside, Oldham
in the County of
-- Lancashire --

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Moorside is a semi-rural area which nonetheless saw a large increase in population in the 19th century with the growth of the textile industry. This increase was almost wholly due to the industry of Rochdale-born Thomas Mellowdew, a hand loom weaver and farmer who patented a method of producing cotton velvet cloth. From small beginnings with a few looms and then a rented mill, his profits grew to enable him to own 2 mills, purchase land and property in Moorside, and build houses for his workers. He supported the millworkers with his own money by providing alternative employment in construction during the hardships of the Cotton Famine.

Turf Pit Lane, Moorside Turf Pit Lane, Moorside
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