Park Square
Mossley Road
Ashton-under-Lyne
Lancashire OL6 9RT

(as it was March 2004)

THE ALLEGED HISTORY OF THE ODD WHIM:
In the 1820s John Wroe founder of the Christian Israelite Church. He made Ashton his headquarters and wanted to build a wall around the town, which he believed was the site of the New Jerusalem. Four gatehouses were planned, Mr Wroe's cult wanted the gatehouse near Ashton Barracks. For further details on John Wroe's cult see the History Page it may be the case that he was not the founder, see references to Johanna Southcott.

Did John Wroe have the Odd Whim built? or was the original building given to the Christian Israelite Church? and what about the bell tower that at one time was on the building? (the remains of the bell wheel were still in the loft before the building was converted into to flats). The Historical Society of Ashton only appeared to become interested in the Odd Whim once it was known that the site was to be re-developed. It is alleged that no member of the society had ever been inside the Odd Whim. Only a few people were aware of the existence of the bell wheel or the evident plaster work in the ceiling of the main bed room that indicated were the bell rope may have accessed the bell tower. Not to forget the tunnels leading from the cellar (blocked off) one of which was reputed to go to Ashton Parish Church. All that is left now is square building with no character  at all it's  external walls have been rendered and painted cream. It should also be noted that the previous owner had carried out extensive research into John Wroe. No association was found to the Odd Whim, perhaps we will never know if the building ever had any association to John Wroe, or do you know more?

KNOWN HISTORY:
The buildings was sold to John Saxon, who turned it into a public house called the Odd Whim in 1837. The pub?s licensees were also its owners until Thomas Shaw?s executors passed it on to Joseph Shaw in 1891. Six years later brewer I H Lees took over. Walker & Homfray?s purchased the Odd Whim in 1923, and they merged with Wilson?s Brewery in 1949. The pub was renamed the STAMFORD PARK HOTEL around 1880, and it remained as such until 1971, when the original name was reinstated. When the Odd Whim closed it was a Free House. For the history of the Oddwhim and its possible association with Christian Israelite Church click on the side Menu Option 'It's History'.

The Oddwhim Public House close its doors for the last time on Sunday 30th May 2004.