Shaw | About the Area

The town of Shaw, or Shaw and Crompton as it has been better known as in the past, is located in the metropolitan borough of Oldham, in Greater Manchester. Its name derives from the meaning of ‘wood’ and ‘river bend settlement’, which is appropriate considering that the settlement of Shaw is located on the banks of the River Beal and at the base of the Pennies.

As a settlement, Shaw dates back to the times of the Bronze Age when it was known as ‘Crompton’. During the Middle Ages Crompton developed as a township, focusing on farming as its main industry. Crompton was a very independent and self-supporting town. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that Crompton shifted from its farming routes to textiles manufacture. It was at this time that the town of Crompton experienced very rapid and unplanned urbanisation.

By middle of the 19th Century, Crompton continued to grow due to the lack of available space in Oldham. By the end of the 19th Century, Crompton was classed as a densely populated Mill Town, with 48 cotton mills recorded in the area, some of which were the largest in the United Kingdom.

At one point, Crompton had more millionaires per Capita than any other towns in the World as a result of the economic boom within the Textile Industry. However, by beginning of the 20th century, Shaw and Crompton saw a sharp decline in production, due to an increase in cotton goods being imported from overseas.

The last Cotton Mill closed in Shaw in 1989. Only six of the famous red brick cotton mills survive to show its industrial heritage, many of which are now home to large distribution companies. The town of Shaw now covers an area of 4.5 miles2 and is predominantly residential with a population over 20,000 residents.

Transport links
Shaw is located South of junction 21 of the M62. Its transport is co-ordinated by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Rail
Shaw and Crompton
Beal Lane
Oldham
Greater Manchester
0L2 8UY
08450000125

Services offered between Rochdale and Manchester via the Oldham loop line

Bus
There is no actual bus station in Shaw but there are several bus stops around the town. The route is managed by first Manchester Providers include first Manchester, Blu-Val, Bluebird and Rossendale Transport.

Services serve to Oldham, Rochdale, Chadderton, Manchester, Shaw circular, Middleton and Royton

Local Services
Details of local services in Shaw

Library
Shaw and Crompton Library
Farrow Street East
Shaw
Oldham
OL2 8QY
01706 842184

Police Station
Nearest police station to Shaw and Crompton is based in Royton.
Policing in Shaw and Crompton is provided by Greater Manchester Police.

Uppermill Police Station
Police Station
Buckley Street
Uppermill
Oldham
OL3 6B

Hospital
No hospitals are based in Shaw and Crompton the nearest are in Oldham and Rochdale.

Local health care is provided by Crompton Health Centre and is the base of the NHS surgery for the area.

Crompton Health Centre
High Street
Oldham
OL2 8ST 01616215923