Birch Hill: End of an Era
From the collection of
A-Z of Film-making
- Old Trafford
- 2004
Birch Hill: End of an Era
A dark history, but a brighter future? How a grim relic of Victorian life became relevant to the present day.
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.
A look at the history of Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale, and the transformation from its early days as Dearnley union workhouse, a place for the most desperately poor members of society.
Tags
Workers' Film Association
Explore the diverse and exciting work of the WFA, a Manchester institution for over 40 years, training generations of filmmakers and producing videos out of an old Edwardian warehouse in Hulme.
The Workers’ Film Association (WFA) was an educational co-operative based in inner-city Manchester, working with activists, educationalists, independent film-makers and the voluntary sector for over 40 years. Established in 1975 in North London, it moved to Manchester in 1979, taking over a derelict Edwardian warehouse in Hulme, just south of the city centre. WFA provided media training alongside equipment and facilities hire, and had its own production unit, actively working with local, national and international people and campaigning organisations.
Over those years, the WFA filmed many important events in the North West - events which often get hidden in history. They helped ordinary people to find their voice, and showed them the strength and value of their lives and actions in bringing about change to the benefit of the many and against the narrow interests of the few.
The WFA collection consists of projects and commissions, student productions, and records of events in and around Hulme, Manchester, and the wider region from the 1980s to the 2010s. The WFA finally closed the doors of its Manchester headquarters - the WFA Media & Cultural Centre - in February 2017 with the retirement of the remaining two founding members.
36 videos in this collection
1
A-Z of Film-making
2
A Brighter Future
3
The Faiths of Manchester
4
People First
5
A Tale of Two Cities
6
A Day in the Life of the Deansgate Sax Man
7
Proportional Representation Has Landed
8
Magical Art Mystery Tour
9
The Lowry
10
Refugee Exodus to the Northwest
11
What a Fine Day for a Skate
12
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Activist
13
State of Independents
14
Section 28 Manchester
15
A Big Slice of Mrs Cakehead
16
Teenage Kicks
17
Night and Day
18
Contact
19
Darren Pritchard - A Portrait
20
A Day in the Life of a Criminologist Part-subtitled
21
Sure Start - Rochdale 2004
22
Palace Court Live Work Arts Scheme and Art Exhibition
23
Contribution Vs Exclusion
24
A Tribute to a Lost Soulster
25
The British Art Show in Manchester 11 Nov 1995 - 4 Feb 1996
26
FFLAG
27
Ancoats and Miles Platting Regeneration Issues
28
The North West People's March
29
Portrait of Hulme
30
Birch Hill: End of an Era
31
Children Act Now
32
One Day in the Corn Exchange
33
Community Charge [Poll Tax]
34
Welcome to WFA
35
Cultural Sites of Manchester
36