Lib Dem Leader Discovers his roots - In Rochdale

12.00.00am GMT Wed 30th Dec 2009

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP, discovered more than he'd bargained for on his recent visit after being told that the history of his surname started right here - in Rochdale!

The surname Clegg is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon surnames on record. Professional researchers have carefully scrutinised such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday Book (1086), the Ragman Rolls (1292 - 1296), tax records and other official documents and found the earliest record of the name Clegg in Lancashire.

According to some historians and authors the first known Clegg's lived at Clegg Hall right here in Littleborough, Rochdale. The building is a grade II listed building and is now famously known for its tales of crimes and ghosts.

On Mr Clegg's recent visit, Rochdale MP Paul Rowen gave him a copy of the book: 'Foul Deeds & Suspicious Deaths in & around Rochdale' by local author John Cole which goes on to explain some of the mysterious history of the hall.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "I decided to give Nick this book because I now that some historians and researchers have speculated that this is where the first Clegg's resided. It's a fascinating book that chronicles Rochdale's dark history and it's an incredible read. It's also written by a local author and goes into some depths about different parts of Rochdale. It just goes to show how life in Rochdale was like in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries."

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said: "I would like to thank Paul and other Rochdale residents who told me about the possible link on my recent visit to the town. It's great to think that I have a strong connection to a place such as Rochdale."