Thomas Middleton (1872 - 1952)

Thomas Middleton (b. 23 Dec 1872, d. 27 Sep 1952): author, historian, Churchman and politician of Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, England. As a boy "Tom" Middleton contributed short stories to the "North Cheshire Herald" and at the age of twenty he began work on "Annals of Hyde and District" (1899), though his first published work was "A Political History of East Cheshire" (1898). His other notable works include: "Old Godley" (1900), "Legends of Longdendale" (1906) and "Poets, Poems and Rhymes of East Cheshire" (1908). Known mainly as an historian and folklorist, Thomas Middleton was also locally renowned as a Churchman who served as superintendent of St. George's Church (Hyde) Sunday Schools as had three generations of his forebears. He lectured widely on religious matters, political and social affairs and on the antiquities of Hyde and its environs. Mr. Middleton also served as the mayor of Hyde township (1929-1931).