Rosehill, Northenden, Manchester
Rosehill in Longley Lane, Northenden, Manchester was acquired by the Manchester Board of Guardians and originally opened as an Opthalmia School in September 1915. Later on it became a Children’s Convalescent Home before becoming a Residential Nursery for the under fives. From 11th August 1955, the nursery moved out to allow room to accommodate the boys from “Brookfield” when it then became “Rose Hill Remand Home”.
In April 1997, Operation Cleopatra was launched by the Greater Manchester Police. Over 350 cases of reported child abuse were examined by a dedicated team of more than 20 officers. Over 900 statements were taken from people who had spent time in 66 different homes over three decades, including those who were at Rosehill.
In 2001 the first victims’ Action Group was formed to seek compensation form Manchester City Council for child abuse suffered during their time at the various council-run care homes. In 2002 when Operation Cleopatra was wound up, six men were charged with a range of offences. In 2004 the final prosecution resulting from Operation Cleopatra commenced and by 2007, damages on £2.27 million were awarded to 163 people in the first claimant group.
A second victims’ Action Group was formed in 2008 for those who missed the deadline of the first. In June 2010 the second Action Group led by Peter Garsden, was settled by way of an arrangement whereby Manchester City Council agreed to settle all cases in the group at a discount of 55% of the total value, but reserve the right to contest all issues other than time delay or “Limitation”.