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.

Oldham has been described as the "most prodigous" mill town in Lancashire, and the "one that grew the quickest, from most insignificant beginnings, [... into...] 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."

At first glance, the toponymy of Oldham seems obvious to imply "old village or place" from Eald (Old English) signifying oldness or antiquity, and Ham (Old English) a house, farm or hamlet. However, Oldham is known to be a derivative of Aldehulme; undoubtedly an Old Norse name. It is believed to be derived from the Old English ald combined with the Old Norse holmi or holmr, meaning "old promontory or outcrop", possibly describing the town's hilltop position. Some have also likened the first element to Cumbric alt, 'slope'. However, it has also been theorised that it may mean "holm or hulme of a farmer named Alda". The name is understood to date from 865 at the time of Danish Mercia, a time when the similarly named Hulme in nearby Manchester is believed to have origin.

...
Wikipedia