Community groups are to celebrate the tricentenary of industrialist Charles Roe, who is credited with bringing the silk industry to Macclesfield.

Charles Roe was born in 1715 and was instrumental in Macclesfield’s evolvement as a silk town.

He was also responsible for building Christ Church.

As part of the 300th anniversary celebrations The Old Sunday School - formerly the Heritage Centre, and social enterprise company Incubation Arts, are planning a series of events in his honour.

Incubation Arts is currently in the process of turning Charles Roe’s former town house into a museum and arts centre.

And it is hosting a series of events in his honour.

An image of how Incubation Arts' exhibition could look at Charles Roe House.

Julie Hamer, a director of Incubation Arts, which is in the process of becoming a charity, said: “Without Charles Roe we wouldn’t have all this silk industry in the town, he’s hugely significant.

“I’ve often wondered if anything has been done to commemorate him appropriately, he was the entrepreneur of his day. This will be a fantastic opportunity to see his residence, the townhouse which is Grade II listed. We will be celebrating on May 8 the day after his birthday as we don’t want to clash with the elections.

“There will be an exhibition on Charles Roe and historian Dorothy Bentley Smith will be giving illustrated talks. There will also be a live performance with an actor which should be really good.”

Dorothy Bentley-Smith

The Old Sunday School, on Roe Street, is displaying a portrait of Charles Roe by Derbyshire painter Joseph Wright, an artist who specialised in portraits of prominent citizens and their families. The painting was created shortly before Charles Roe’s death in 1781 and will be exhibited in the school.

Penny Asquith Evans, of the centre, said: “The portrait of Charles Roe was painted shortly before Roe’s death in 1781. It is on loan from the Churches Conservation Trust, and has been put on display at the Old Sunday School with their support.

“In addition to the portrait, Roe is also featured in a new exhibition at the Old Sunday School exploring the characters and places of Macclesfield; the ‘Then and Now’ of this historic town, along with a changing audio-visual display.”

There will also be a living history event with ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ talking about his visit to Macclesfield in 1745, Charles Roe and society in the 18th century.

You can see the portrait of Charles Roe at the Old Sunday School Monday-Saturday 10-4 and on Treacle Sundays. Admission is free. For information about the Sunday School exhibition call 01625 613210 or go to silkmacclesfield.org.uk.

Incubation Arts is looking for volunteers to help run the exhibitions during the anniversary celebrations. If you have an interest in Charles Roe, or would like to learn more, contact Julie on 07782 312 264 or email julie@incubationarts.org.