Film Number

12964

Title

BIRCH HILL: END OF AN ERA

Producer

WFA Media & Cultural Centre

Date

2003

Gauge

VHS

Colour

colour

Sound

sound

Running Time

16 mins 18 secs

Description

The imposing clock tower of Birch Hill Hospital near Rochdale in Lancashire has been a feature of the Pennine landscape since the 19th century. The hospital was originally a union workhouse, part of a nationwide system for tackling poverty introduced after the Poor Law Amendment Act was implemented in 1837. Though local activist Thomas Livesey led public demonstrations against it, government commissioners demanded the construction of a giant building, known as Dearnley workhouse. The harsh conditions and enforced separation of families meant that this place was only for the most desperate poor people of the area. Following this grim beginning, the building later became a hospital for World War One troops and in time a general medical facility. In the 21st century however, there is debate about its usefulness, though the building has become a well-known feature for local people and would be missed.

This title was digitised and preserved as part of the BFI Heritage 2022 programme. It is available to view for free via BFI Replay in UK Public Libraries - https://replay.bfi.org.uk/