Hyde Borough Councils First Meeting

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First Council Meeting

Noon Monday, April 25th, 1881

As would be expected all the elected councillors were present, the 'Chair' was occupied by Mr. Frank Thornley, who acted as 'Returning Officer' at the election. Councillor Edward Hibbert proposed the Councillor Thomas Ashton of Flowery Field be the first Mayor of Hyde. This was seconded by Councillor Charlies Swindells and Councillor Henry Booth supported the resolution, which was carried with acclamation. Councillor Thomas Ashton then took the chair amidst great applause.

First Mayor & Mayoress

Thomas Ashton & Elizabeth Ashton

The Council then elected six aldermen and the following councillors became the first aldermen of the borough. Thomas Ashton, John Thornley, Edward Hibbert, Thomas Thornley, Charles Swindells, and Charlies Fielding. Alderman Edward Hibbert was appointed first Deputy-Mayor and Mr. John Hibbert first Town Clerk.

At the beginning the Council met in the old 'Local Board' office in Market Place, then for a while in Hyde Mechanics Institute. In January, 1885 the Council began began meeting in the newly built Hyde Town Hall, but on account of the time of year the formal opening of the Town Hall was deferred until July 1885.

The Council Chambers Hyde Town Hall

The Borough Of Hyde

The Borough Of Hyde

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How It All Came About

On the night of January 26th, 1879... a group of Ratepayers' voted against a Charter Of Incorporation, however a 'Towns' meeting attracted over 500 Ratepayers at the Mechanics Institute chaired by a Mr. Peter Green the following August 20th and the vote changed in favour and a pettitionfor granting a Charter of Incoporation was to be prepared and presented.

The Hon. Thomas Henry William Pelham

(1847-1916)

On Thursday, October 28th 1880, The Hon. T. H. W. Pelham, Commissioner, appointed by the Privy Council, in responce to the said pettition signed by 2, 278 ratepayers of Hyde, held an enquiry in the Court House, Beeley Street, Hyde.

Court House Beeley Street which later became Hyde Lads Club

A scheme for the division of the proposed borough of Hyde into three wards was submitted to the commissioner, and facts and figures concerning the population, industries, and rateable value were produched. The population was over 30,000 the people resided in 6,740 inhabited houses, and there was a gross annual rateable value of £118,790. There were 21 Cotton Mills which employed 6,238 adults; 22 Hat Works employing 1,023, there were 20 Engine Works and Iron Foundries employing 267, 3 Collieries with a workforce of 562; Builders and Contractors, employing 300, Railway Works employed 100, and other works, employing altogether over 10,000 adults. There were 25 Churches or places of worship. Only 254 persons were in need of parish relief.

No opposition was offered to the application, and the Charter of Incorporation was granted on February 18th, 1881. The new governing authority was to be known as the HYDE TOWN COUNCIL. It was to consist of 18 councillors, 6 for each ward... and 6 aldermen.

The first election for the Hyde Town Council took place on April 14th, 1881, and the following were elected :

(L) indicates 'Liberal' (C) indicates 'Conservative'

After the newly elected members had appointed six of their number to be aldermen, the vacancies were filled at a by-election in May, 1881, when the following were elected :

(L) indicates 'Liberal' (C) indicates 'Conservative'

The 24 gentlemen named above constituted the first Town Council of the borough of Hyde.

Jubilee Celebrations 1931

The Jubilee celebrations which marked 50 years of the incorporation of the borough of Hyde included a childrens day which was held on the 16th June 1931. All children aged between 3 -15 years got a medal and some chocolate as gifts. Up to 4000 children marched to the Town hall to sing Hymns and the National Anthem. Unfortunately , due to very bad weather, the full programme of activities had to be cut short.Sounds like the weather hasn't changed much in the past 80 years!

They held an Ox Roast the following day which was attended by all the local dignitries .


Cutting the first slice.

The roasting of an ox over a fire in the street always played a part in the town's celebrations during major occasions - particularly for this event in 1931 which is said to have drawn people from far and wide. There were street parties, shows, open air plays and many attractions. The party atmosphere was said to have lasted for 10 days!

Shame Hyde doesn't celebrate in style nowadays

Hyde Jubilee Hospital Effort June17th 1931

This is the prize winning bullock which was presented to the towns folk of Hyde to roast as part of their Jubilee Celebrations. The farmer was J.W. Bagshaw of Woodley.

Children making merry at a tea party thrown for the Jubilee Celebrations