The colourful history of Saddleworth Morris Men has been captured in a fascinating plaque protecting their traditions.
The commemorative Rushcart Plaque, erected next to a new footbridge spanning Church Road, Uppermill, traces their remarkable dancing mosaic through the centuries.
When the original footbridge was built in the 1970s, Peter Ashworth, founder of Saddleworth Morris Men and Oldham’s clerk of works, was concerned the famous Rushcart would not fit underneath the bridge on its route taking rushes to St Chads, Saddleworth church.
Mr Ashworth said: “I persuaded the planner, Philip Sweet, that the bridge should be raised enough to allow the cart to pass on its journey.
“So when the bridge was replaced last year, it seemed appropriate to honour it by installing this plaque nearby.
“I would like thank OMBC on behalf of Saddleworth Morris Men, The Rushcart Lads, for making this happen.”
He added: “The Rushcart and Saddleworth Morris Men are world famous, especially in the Morris and folk world. They have represented Saddleworth and Oldham at many festivals in the UK, Europe and Brazil.
“Currently, they have invitations from Australia and the USA depending on the pandemic situation.”
Jack Williams, member of Saddleworth Morris Men and Rushcart secretary, said: “People are aware of the rushcart in its current form, but rushes have been taken up the Church Road route on carts since the Middle Ages.
“They were subsequently strewn on the earthen floor as a renewable covering on Saddleworth Church.
“This became a competitive annual event during Wakes Weeks when mills closed, and every village or hamlet in Saddleworth would build a rushcart and try to out-do each other.
“The plaque includes detail on the traditions origins, with images of rushcarts and local people from the 1800s in recognisable locations throughout Uppermill and Greenfield.”
He added: “I only originally contacted the council to seek assurances the new bridge would be at a height that would allow the rushcart to pass under.
“I remembered Peter Ashworth had requested the previous bridge was installed at a height that would allow the tradition to continue, which was granted thanks to a kind local planning officer, Philip Sweet, in 1979.
“After being put in touch with Steve Bird at the Unity Partnership, it seemed a good idea to request the social history of the area’s rushcarts would be marked.
“We wish to thank Oldham Council, the Unity Partnership and Rowan Ashworth Ltd for making this possible.”
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