Within the boundaries of the historic county of Lancashire, and with little early history to speak of, Oldham rose to prominence in the 19th century as an international centre of textile manufacture.
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It lies amongst the Pennines on elevated ground between the rivers Irk and Medlock, 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Rochdale, and 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Manchester City Centre. It is the administrative centre of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, which had a population of 242,003 in 2021.
It is named for the Oldham family, who lived in Werneth Hall during the Middle Ages. Oldham was the center for an agricultural district with a woolen industry until the 19th century, when it became a major cotton-spinning and weaving town.
Lying to the northeast of Manchester, the borough of Oldham is a great combination of spectacular and unrivalled countryside, quaint villages and market towns, award winning food and drink establishments, excellent shopping opportunities and heritage sites.
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Oldham, England: All You Must Know Before You Go (2026) - Tripadvisor
Oldham is a former textile town in Greater Manchester, 7 miles (10 km) northeast of city centre in the foothills of the Pennines. The main reason to visit is to explore the villages and valleys leading into the Pennines.