Explore Delph, a village in Greater Manchester, proudly preserving its historical Yorkshire identity and traditions.
Saddleworth then became part of Greater Manchester. People living there were not happy about this change. But Saddleworth remains part of Yorkshire, truly, like having two identities at the same time.
You will see Yorkshire Rose symbols all over Delph, which hasn’t forgotten its Yorkshire roots. Being told you’re “North West” can be confusing, and local news focused on Manchester adds to this.
Some Yorkshire areas have seemed to forget their past. But Delph, in Saddleworth, remembers, and you see more Yorkshire symbols there than in Yorkshire.
Furlong, a shop in Delph, knows where it belongs. “Yorkshire!” say Adele Furlong and her team.
Delph looks more like nearby Yorkshire valleys. It doesn’t resemble urban Manchester much at all. Grace Harrington, who runs a chip shop, has mixed feelings on this issue.
Grace states she plays both sides, with older folks preferring Yorkshire. She leans more toward Manchester though. Delph’s Yorkshire ties go beyond flags, as its cricket club plays in a Huddersfield league.
Grace sees why people were upset in 1974, and mentions her kids play cricket. There are also Leeds United fans there.
Delph is worth caring about, as it’s a conservation area with a quaint street. The village also has water features – a river flows through it with streams and ponds.
These once supported textiles but now they create a peaceful scene. You can relax and enjoy the water. “It’s beautiful,” says Adele, an Oldham native, who says that moving there was her best move.
People want to live in Saddleworth. It’s close to cities, but still unspoiled. Actors and sports stars have called this place home, while Uppermill can be crowded and lively.
Delph feels like a real village still, with long-time residents and newcomers. For 2,000 people, there’s lots to do here: a theater, library, pubs, and a craft center.
Richard Clare, an artist, likes the community feel. He lived in Delph for 15 years and now lives nearby. Uppermill changed a lot, especially at night, while Delph stays quieter.
Delph balances village life and attractions well; it’s nice but not too fancy.
Kathryn, a long-time resident, has a lasting impression. “People come here, they come to die here.” She quickly clarifies her meaning – they don’t want to move.
Adele agrees with this sentiment. “I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”