Norden, Greater Manchester

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Norden
Norden St Paul's church.jpg
St Paul's Church, Norden
Greater Manchester UK location map 2.svg
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Norden
Location within Greater Manchester
Population9,733 (2021) [1]
OS grid reference SD858144
Metropolitan borough
Metropolitan county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town ROCHDALE
Postcode district OL11
Dialling code 01706
Police Greater Manchester
Fire Greater Manchester
Ambulance North West
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Greater Manchester
53°37′37″N2°12′50″W / 53.627°N 2.214°W / 53.627; -2.214

Norden is a village within the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Lancashire until the local government reorganisation of 1974, it lies on the western outskirts of Rochdale and had a population of 9,733 according to the 2021 census. The village is situated along the A680 Edenfield Road, which connects Rochdale to Edenfield in Rossendale.

Contents

History

Norden originated as a chapelry in the ancient parish of Rochdale [2] and was formed from part of the township of Spotland in the mid-19th century. The ecclesiastical parish of St Paul's was created in 1862, and the Grade II listed church was built between 1860 and 1861, [3] featuring a spire and stained glass windows.

Under the Local Government Act 1894, Norden became an urban district and civil parish. [4] In 1933 the urban district was abolished and merged with the County Borough of Rochdale and the Municipal Borough of Heywood. [5] At that time, the parish covered over 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) and had a population of 4,348 in 1931. [6]

Norden was part of Lancashire until the local government reorganisation of 1974, following the Local Government Act 1972, when it became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

Geography

The village is situated on Edenfield Road (A680), which connects Rochdale town centre to Edenfield in Rossendale. The area includes Taylor Park, a green space located on a former mine shaft, making it unsuitable for development. The surrounding landscape features reservoirs such as Greenbooth and scenic valleys like Naden, popular for walking and wildlife. [7]

Demographics

Norden has a population of 9,733 (2021), [1] with a mix of suburban housing and rural surroundings. Historically, the population grew from 2,662 in the 1870s to nearly 4,000 by the early 20th century, reflecting its development as an industrial and residential area. [8]

Economy

Norden was historically linked to textile mills and small-scale manufacturing in nearby hamlets such as Bagslate and Wolstenholme. [9] Today, it functions largely as a commuter village for Rochdale and Manchester, with local businesses, pubs, and services.

Transport

The village is served by the Bee Network bus route 17, which runs to Manchester via Rochdale and Middleton. [10] The nearest railway stations are Rochdale (approximately 3 miles (4.8 km)) and Castleton. The A680 provides road access to the M62 motorway, linking Manchester and Leeds.

Education

Local education includes primary schools such as Norden Community Primary School, [11] while secondary education is accessed in Rochdale and surrounding areas. Independent schools like Manchester Grammar School and Bury Grammar School are within commuting distance.

Governance

Norden ward is included in the Heywood and Middleton North constituency, represented in Parliament by Elsie Blundell (of the Labour Party). [12] It was first contested at the 2024 general election. [13] Before the election, the constituency was known as Heywood and Middleton.

At the local level, it is part of Rochdale Borough Council, which manages services such as planning, waste, and education. [14]

Sport

Norden is the home of Norden Cricket Club, who joined the Lancashire League in 2018. [15]

Notable citizens

References

  1. 1 2 "Rochdale Ward population 2021". City Population. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "History of Norden, in Rochdale and Lancashire". A Vision of Britain through Time . Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  3. ↑ Historic England. "Church of Saint Paul (Grade II) (1054802)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  4. ↑ "Rochdale Registration District". UKBMD. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  5. ↑ "Relationships and changes Norden UD through time". A Vision of Britain through Time. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  6. ↑ "Population statistics Norden CP through time". A Vision of Britain through Time. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  7. ↑ "Greenbooth and Naden Valley". United Utilities. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  8. ↑ "Norden History". Forebears. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  9. ↑ Welcome to St Paul's Church | An Illustrated Self-Guided Tour (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  10. ↑ "17 Shudehill - Middleton - Trub - Rochdale - Bamford - Norden". Bee Network. Transport for Greater Manchester. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  11. ↑ "Norden Community Primary School, Rochdale". Rochdale Borough Council. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  12. ↑ "MPs representing Heywood and Middleton North". UK Parliament. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  13. ↑ "The Parliamentary Constituencies Order 2023". Schedule 1 Part 5 North West region.
  14. ↑ "Ward boundaries". Rochdale Borough Council. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  15. ↑ Nigel Stockley (8 March 2018). "League Welcomes New Clubs". Lancashire League. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  16. ↑ "John Smith Roskell 1913–1998" (PDF). The British Academy. 2005. Retrieved 23 February 2024.

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