Historically part of Lancashire, Thornham was once a township within the parish of Middleton, encompassing the outlying hamlets of Slattocks, Stake Hill, Buersill Head and Tandle Hill, before being divided between Middleton, Royton, and Rochdale by the Local Government Act 1894.[3] Part of this area was known as Gravel Hole, because of large gravel pits, and is still referred to as such on some maps.
The intersection of the M62 and the A627(M) is known as Thornham Interchange.[4]
Education
Thornham is served by "Thornham St. James Cof E Primary School" (which lies within the border of Royton and is thus administered by Oldham L.E.A) and "St John's CE Primary Thornham" (which lies within Rochdale), and thus administered by Rochdale L.E.A.[5] For secondary education, St Cuthbert's RC High School is also located in the Rochdale part of the area.