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Oldham is a town in North West England, on the north-eastern edge of the Greater Manchester conurbation. Traditionally part of Lancashire, it began as a mill town, and is most recently well-known for inter-racial problems. It is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham.
Oldham could become the largest town in the United Kingdom not to have a conventional railway station, with the planned extension of the Metrolink to replace rail services in the town. However this plan has run into funding difficulties.
History
While Oldham's existence can be traced back to the 11th century, it was the Industrial Revolution -- and cotton in particular -- that laid the foundations for the town's prosperity. By the end of the 19th century Oldham was recognised as one of the most productive cotton-spinning towns in the world.
In 1900, Winston Churchill was elected Oldham member of Parliament. He held the constituency until 1904.
The world's first test tube baby, Louise Joy Brown, was born in Oldham General Hospital on 25 July 1978.
Culture
The town is home to the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
Oldham was the birthplace of the composer William Walton.
Music
Artists/bands to emenate from Oldham include Inspiral Carpets, N-Trance and Mark Owen.
Sport
The town is home to many teams : Oldham Athletic F.C. (football), Oldham Roughyeds (Rugby League) , and Oldham Cricket Club.
Schools
Transport
Oldham is some distance from the Trans-Pennine M62 motorway, but is linked to it by the M66. Oldham once had 5 central rail stations but now has two, Werneth and Mumps. It is planned to link the town to Manchester's Metrolink tram network, but plans are currently in abeyance due to government refusal to meet the escalating costs of the required engineering work. Oldham has a bus station with frequent services to other parts of Greater Manchester.