Public servant James Ogden

For the last 40 years of his life, James Ogden gave his time and money to support charitable and cultural causes in Rochdale.

He was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on 5 September 1906 and was presented with this decorative casket. The pictures on the casket document his generosity and hint at the impact it had on his community.

He was a member of the Public Libraries Committee and the main benefactor for the extension to Rochdale Library, now Touchstones. This extension opened in 1903 as Rochdale Art Gallery & Museum. He purchased many pictures for the Art Gallery and set up a bequest purchase fund. This has enabled local people to see more works of art in the town.

James also funded improvements to the Broadfield Park slopes and he donated money to Rochdale Infirmary. His casket contains an illuminated scroll which lists his good works, all done because of ‘his affection for his native town’.