Ex-MP’s burial site gets £100k facelift
THE final resting place of the renowned MP John Bright, who helped bring about massive social change during the Victorian era, has been given a £100k makeover.
Bright, who played a major role in the abolition of the corn laws, which kept the price of food artificially high, was laid to rest at the Society of Friends (Quaker) Burial Ground in Ball Street, Wardleworth.
Before his death in 1889, Bright rose to become one of the world’s most famous politicians and his advice was even sought by US President Abraham Lincoln, who was his friend, and admirer.
Work at the graveyard, which was also home to St Stephen’s Church before its demolition in 1949, has seen new benches and paths, information boards which detail the history confidante of the site and heritagestyle wrought iron railings introduced.
The surrounding area has also been tidied up and trees will be planted later in the year.
John Bright’s descendant Sir Bill Cash, the MP for Stone in Staffordshire, will officially reopen the site at 2pm today (Saturday).
The event, which is open to members of the public, will also be attended by the Mayor of Rochdale, Coun Ian Duckworth and local Quakers, John Griffiths and Rae Street.
Council leader Richard Farnell said: “John Bright is one of our greatest parliamentarians and was a real champion of working people.
“He was one of the leading statesman of the 19th Century and a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. His tireless campaigning led to the abolition of the corn laws in 1846, making food more affordable for ordinary people, and his vocal opposition to slavery has seen him honoured with a bust in the White House in Washington.
“Closer to home, as an important part of our borough’s great radical political tradition, John Bright is honoured with a statue in Broadfield Park and a bust in our town hall.
“Now that the transformation of his resting place is complete, we have the final piece in the jigsaw.
“I’d urge our residents to come along and join our celebration at 2pm on Saturday, so they can find out more about our borough’s fascinating history.”
The makeover was funded by section 106 developer contributions from the nearby Dean Street housing scheme.