Statue of Gracie Fields Rochdale

Images of Britain: Statue of Gracie Fields, Rochdale, Greater Manchester

Statue of Gracie Fields, Greater Manchester, UK. — Statue of Gracie Fields, Rochdale Town Hall Square, Greater Manchester

Outside the magnificent town hall in Rochdale in Greater Manchester is a statue of local heroine Gracie Fields (1898-1979) unveiled in 2016. She was once the world's highest-paid female entertainer in the 1930s. Born above a chip shop in Rochdale she went on to achieve global fame as a star of both music hall and cinema.

Gracie Fields Blue Plaque, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, UK. — Blue plaque dedicated to Dame Gracie Fields at St Chad's Parish Church

The statue was the first of a woman in Greater Manchester for over 100 years following that of Queen Victoria in Piccadilly Gardens.

Born Grace Stansfield in 1898, she was an iconic English actress, singer, and comedienne whose career spanned over five decades, making her one of the most beloved British performers of the 20th century.

Fields rose to fame in the 1930s with her distinct comedic talent and powerful singing voice, starring in numerous films and stage productions. Her most notable works include the film "Sing As We Go" and the song "Sally," which became her signature tune.

During World War II, Fields' contributions extended beyond entertainment; she performed extensively for troops and was instrumental in boosting morale, for which she was later appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979. Her legacy is marked by her resilience, having overcome serious illness and continued to perform with undiminished popularity. Fields' impact on British popular culture remains significant, symbolizing the era's spirit and the enduring power of entertainment to unite and uplift.