Great Howarth, Rochdale, OL12 9HU

Great Howarth is a village situated near Rochdale in Lancashire, England, within the OL 12 postal district. The name Howarth derives from Old English, meaning a settlement on a small hill or surrounded by a hawthorn hedge, and has been recorded in various spellings such as Haworth and Howorth since the early 13th century. The locality is part of the historical Howarth family name region, with the surname commonly found among families in Yorkshire and Lancashire, especially around Great Howarth and Haworth. The village’s character reflects its rural heritage, and its proximity to Rochdale provides a link to the larger town while maintaining a distinct, small‑settlement atmosphere. The area’s historical roots and traditional naming suggest a community with deep local ties and a sense of continuity.