There was a significant discovery for John Fidler, a former Counthill schoolteacher, when he found that the 23rd psalm of the King James I Bible was written by Oldham native Lawrence Chaderton.
Mr Fidler, who teaches at the Local History of Oldham class at Werneth Park, was amazed at his discovery in the book. The Bible is seen to have influenced English language and literature more than any book, and now it has a link with Oldham!
Mr Fidler said: “It was great to see that Oldham has this piece of history. Lawrence Chaderton was born about 1536 in the reign of Henry VIII at Lees Hall, which no longer exists. But if you go up to the council tip at Arkwright Street, you are more or less standing on holy ground, though your shoes will get dusty!
“He turned away from his father’s religion to become protestant, so his dad sent him a shilling and told him to buy a wallet, to beg for his living. He went off to study three degrees in 11 years and became ordained, often returning to Oldham to preach.
“Such was the good impression that he made his reputation spread both as a man, a preacher and a scholar.”
James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England, commissioned a new Bible to be printed with contributions from great scholars of the time. Lawrence Chaderton was seen as one of those great scholars.
Mr Fidler added: “So next time you hear these words ‘The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…’ perhaps you will remember the text of the 23rd psalm is the work of an Oldhamer 400 years ago!”
Chaderton died in 1640, 29 years after the publication of the new Bible. He died shortly after the start of the Civil War, at the grand age of 103.