The earliest known evidence of a human presence in what is now Oldham is
attested by the discovery of Neolithic flint arrow-heads and workings found at
Werneth and Besom Hill, implying habitation 7–10,000 years ago. Evidence of
later Roman and Celtic activity is confirmed by an ancient Roman road and
Bronze Age archaeological relics found at various sites within the town.
Place names of Celtic origin are still to be found in Oldham, Werneth derives
from a Celtic personal name identical to the Gaulish
vernetum and Glodwick may be related to the modern Welsh
