The son of a radical public speaker and orator, Grimshaw's early campaigns were centred around the improvement of working conditions for the mill-workers in the village of Royton and enforcement of the Factory Acts.
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He first came to prominence in the village of Royton, near Oldham, in 1852 as a campaigner for the improvement and enforcement of the Factory Acts, to improve the working conditions of those employed in the cotton mills.
Despite an economic depression brought about by the demise of cotton spinning, Royton's population has continued to grow as a result of intensive housing redevelopment which has modernised its former Edwardian districts.
Cornock played for Royton Amateurs before joining Ashton National.