Builders, working in Blackburn, discovered stored in a barrel, a substantial amount of early film that turned out to have been taken between 1900 and 1903 by famous Edwardian filmmakers Mitchell and Kenyon. It’s about life in general in the north of England and a series showing glimpses of this recently unearthed treasure was shown by the BBC.

Fortunately for sport’s lovers it includes substantial footage covering sport here in the north – cricket, football and especially rugby league (or, as it was known in those days, Northern Union). It now gives us an opportunity to see for the first time many of the great rugby teams and players from that era and includes what is believed to be the first rugby try recorded on film captured in 1901 during an Oldham vs. Swinton game played at Watersheddings (which itself had not long been open).

A window to a world that previously survived only in sporting folklore and newspaper archives and which gives us a valuable insight into the people who both played and watched the game.

All the rugby clips – which show rugby league in the making – were recently seen by an enthralled audience at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford and will now be shown for the first time this side of the Pennines at Gallery Oldham on Thursday evening 16th November (7-30pm).

But, don’t make the mistake of thinking this will be a night for just rugby enthusiasts!
It’s entertainment at its best!
Dr. Vanessa Toulmin - Research Director at Sheffield University - who has been responsible for the preservation and subsequently the marketing of these wonderful films, will be there to explain the background as will Prof. Tony Collins from the Rugby Football League who will cover everything that’s going on.
As would have been the case back then there will even be an accompanying silent-film pianist! – The accomplished and renowned musician Stephen Horne.

Tickets – subsidised by the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust – are £8 and available from either Gallery Oldham’s front desk
or by post from Oldham RL Heritage Trust, 19A Rock Terrace, Manchester Rd, Mossley, OL5 9QD (cheques made payable to Oldham RL Heritage Trust and return stamped envelope please).

Enquiries: Gallery Oldham 0161 911 4653, ORLFC Heritage Trust 0161 620 6005 or 01457 875084
You can also pay on the door
Organised by the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust.