Waterhead was the site of considerable industry and commerce, including coal mining and cotton spinning.[3] Following a building boom associated with the Industrial Revolution, Waterhead became a densely populated industrial district dominated by cotton mills. In 2005, Waterhead was described as still "dominated by early 20th century mills".[4] Cairo Mill was used by the Ferranti company for many years.
Waterhead is the terminus for First Greater Manchester's 81, 81A and 82 services to Manchester via Oldham. The area is served by First's 350 service between Oldham and Ashton, First's 410 and 411 east Oldham circular services and Checkmate's 418 service between Austerlands and Chadderton.
Notable people
The Rev. Charles E. Shaw was a botanist (renowned for finding plants on rubbish dumps) and also a Church of England clergyman. After serving in various other parishes, he became vicar of Waterhead in 1957; he remained vicar until 1994 and is commemorated by a memorial window in the church.[5][6] A song about him called "The' Parson o' Waterhead" was written about him by Harvey Kershaw of Rochdale.[7]
