About John Platt MP

John Platt was an English manufacturer of textile machinery and a Liberal politician. Born in Dobcross, he had ancestral links with Saddleworth dating back beyond 1770.

By this year, his great-grandfather was manufacturing carding equipment in Dobcross - where he too was born - and his father later founded a similar business in Uppermill, which grew to become Platt Bros. & Co.

Platt served as Mayor of and Member of Parliament for Oldham, which is fitting considering Saddleworth is today within the Oldham Borough.

Why support our campaign?

Saddleworth boasts an illustrious history, and the life and legacy of John Platt is a noteworthy feature of that history. Having previously been erected outside Oldham Town Hall, the John Platt statue now finds itself situated at Alexandra Park. 

However, Dobcross, the village in which Platt was born in 1817, would now provide the perfect 'forever home' for his statue.

The Civil Parish of Saddleworth, unfortunately, has very few statues on public display. In putting this statue in pride of place in Dobcross, Saddleworthians will be able to look upon one of their own, and we believe it would be welcomed as a much-valued local monument.

📸 Photography by Gemma Carter