December 2008 was the tercentenary of the birth of a Milnrow rebel who hated hypocrisy and didn’t hesitate to tell the upper classes exactly what he thought of them. He upset the senior church hierarchy with tirades against their dishonesty and their money-making system of multiple parishes.

Adopting the pen name Tim Bobbin to hide his identity, he used his skills as painter, cartoonist, writer and poet to attack the pillars of society.

The museum was delighted to host Jon Comyn-Platt’s play The Tale of Tim Bobbin, which, in an entertaining and light-hearted way, tells the story of this quirky character who put Milnrow on the map.

Local folk group Mick and the Moonshiners provided live music, including a song which they wrote especially for the play.