Belfield is an area within Rochdale, in Greater Manchester, England.[1] It lies at the confluence of the River Beal and River Roch, 1.3 miles (2.1 km) east-northeast of Rochdale's town centre. Belfield is bound to the east by the Rochdale Canal, which forms Rochdale's common boundary with Firgrove in Milnrow.[2]
A family with the surname Belfield were living in the locality during the reign of Edward III, when lands in Butterworth were conveyed to Adam de Belfield (1278–1279). In 1293–1294 Richard de Belfield conveyed to his brother Henry, "all his lands lying between the Bele (River Beal) and Stonneybeck (Stanney Brook)".[5]
For centuries a major landmark in the area was Belfield Hall, a historic house held by local dignitaries, including Alexander Butterworth and Richard Townley, who each served as the High Sheriff of Lancashire.[3][6]
There is a possible moated site in Belfield (grid referenceSD91391362). The building on the site probably dates to c.1619 with parts rebuilt in 1752; part of the building is used as two cottages whilst the rest has been left to decay.[7]