The Victorian Society in Registered Charity No. 1081435 Registered Charity No.1081435 Winter Newsletter 2016

Offcially the use of steam locomotive Steam and Gardens in Norfolk, but EDITORIAL on mainline service ended on 11 with delicious irony she was restored Father Christmas and his steam- August 1968 with the legendary to mainline standard in 2004 in powered reindeer ‘Fifteen guinea special’ – so-called preparation for the 40th anniversary of The majority of young children now because that was the cost of a ticket the end of steam! encounter Father Christmas not in a on the last steam-powered passenger department store but via a heritage train. Fittingly it ran on the old In the early days the word ‘heritage’ in railway Santa Special. This is scarcely Liverpool to Manchester line and then its current sense was not much used: surprising, given the disappearance on to Carlisle via Settle, arriving back these preserved lines were seen as of many traditional department stores in Liverpool just nine minutes late after the preserve of nostalgic enthusiasts. and the astonishing rise in heritage an 11-hour journey that involved four But just like a runaway train, the railways across Britain. locomotives. And that, they thought, movement was unstoppable. was that. Ha! By chance, both steam and stores started life at almost exactly the same time at the dawn of the Victorian age. And, for the railways at least, Manchester played a key role in their birth and subsequent development.

The frst ‘proper’ railway in the modern sense opened between Manchester and Liverpool in 1830. It was the frst to rely exclusively on steam power, the frst with a double track, a signalling system and a timetable, and the frst to carry mail.

Meanwhile also in 1830, Austin’s of Derry in Northern Ireland opened as the world’s frst department store. But while the railway line is still going strong, sadly Austin’s closed suddenly in September 2016, defeated by the high cost of modernisation. If the government had had its way, steam The sole remaining and Yorkshire Railway's class 27 goods railways might well have gone the engine designed by John Aspinall. 484 were built at Horwich Loco same way as Austin’s; but the great Works between 1889 and 1918: photograph by Fiona Moate British public was having none of it. The heritage railway movement Quite how many preserved lines In this new modern age there never itself was getting up steam by this there are is anyone’s guess, but it has been such a hankering after time: in 1951 the narrow-gauge is substantial. There could be as the past. And nowhere is this truer Talyllyn in Mid-Wales became the many as 173 in the UK and Ireland, than in our love affair with steam. It’s frst volunteer-led heritage railway including colliery lines and railway- probably in our genes. In the 1950s in the world, and nine years later related museums, from the Bodmin vast numbers of schoolboys were the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex and Wenford Railway in Cornwall to train spotters, faithfully ticking off opened as the UK’s frst preserved the Strathspey Railway in the far north locomotive names and numbers in standard gauge line. As a result three of Scotland. They range from little their Ian Allan books. (Today at the of the four engines on the so-called tank engines running a few hundred platform ends of main railway stations, ‘last’ train were immediately grabbed yards in old colliery yards to giants of some schoolboys have continued the by enthusiasts for preservation. The the industry like the joint Ffestiniog practice despite being pensioners.) most famous of them - 70013 Oliver and Welsh Highland Railways, which Cromwell - went to Bressingham runs for 40 miles through Snowdonia 1 from Caernarfon Castle via the our region on, for example, the East being preserved is one of the most harbour at Porthmadog to the old Lancashire Railway between Bury important developments in Victorian slate quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Rawtenstall, and the Lakeside Britain. There can be little doubt which are themselves now also a & Haverthwaite Railway in Cumbria. that in that period the railways major tourist attraction. Naturally both run massively popular resulted in the most changes in the Santa Specials in December. lives of most people - perhaps in Estimates vary, but today preserved Meanwhile, Astley Green Colliery ways you might not imagine. For lines possibly operate more than a Museum, on a 15-acre site beside the example, while railway excursions thousand locomotives on over 500 Bridgewater Canal near Tyldesley, undoubtedly led to the development miles of track, with more than 400 houses 28 colliery locomotives, the of the British seaside resort, rather stations, carry around eight million biggest collection of its kind in the UK, less well-known are excursions that passengers a year, employ around as well as Lancashire's only surviving took massive crowds to view public 2,000 full-time and nearly 20,000 headgear and engine house, both hangings - a most particular Victorian part-time staff and contribute some now listed. The museum is run and entertainment! £250 million annually to the leisure maintained by the Red Rose Steam economy. Society Limited, a registered charity. The Quakers, not surprisingly, had long been advocates of the The scale of the volunteer It is very ftting that at some point in ending of these gruesome public commitment and effort that has the last sixty years, in both semantics spectacles. It is probable that the focused on these railways in the and practice, nostalgic enthusiasm deaths and injuries which occurred second half of the 20th century is for steam railways changed to in these uncontrollable crowds were truly staggering, from back-breaking heritage awareness. For what is the major factor in the abolition of work to clearing long-disused and overgrown tracks to sophisticated and professionally-led large-scale civil engineering projects. One such is the Llyn Ystradau deviation on the Ffestiniog Railway. Between the closure of the railway in 1946 and its re-opening by volunteers ten years later, part of the line was blocked by a lake created for a pumped storage power scheme. The problem was to lift the line to a higher level to bypass the lake: the solution was a vast height-gaining spiral, the frst on any passenger line in Britain - built entirely by volunteers.

Commitment to heritage railways MANCHESTER STATION HOUSE continues today and can be seen in

WOBURN STATION STATION SIGNAL WITH COTTAGE

2 public hangings in 1868. But while routes on the railway network, in a map publisher. But in 1839 he executions then took place unseen special coaches on which mail was published the world’s frst railway inside prisons, the gathering of large sorted: the pouch and cage system timetables. It wasn’t easy: different crowds on the day of an execution of collecting and ejecting mail from parts of Britain kept their own time, continued until the total abolition of rapidly-travelling trains was in use as depending on when the sun rose and capital punishment in 1964. early as 1838. set. Noon was a separate ‘sun due south’ time in every town and village. Without the railway network, feeding Prior to the arrival of the dining car in However, the problem for George the expanding populations of the the late 19th century, refreshments - and the railways - was solved a industrial cities would have been on long journeys were served in the year later when Standard Time was impossible. In the second half of the dining halls of major railway stations adopted throughout Britain. Soon 19th century Manchester’s population during a train stop - not always to Bradshaw’s iconic publication evolved quadrupled to around a third of a the satisfaction of the travellers. In into the guide book and timetables on million, making enormous demands his book Victorian Railways Jack which Michael Portillo’s career with on the supply of food in the city. Simmons notes Brunel complaining the BBC is based. His programmes Railways came to the rescue. One about his coffee, Trollope calling his allow us to refect on what should of the frst products to be moved by sandwich a disgrace and Dickens be the true meaning of the word rail was fsh: large quantities, packed - during a stop at Peterborough - Heritage - 'using the resources of in ice, could be quickly transported meekly consuming ‘a petrifed bun of the present to preserve the best inland from the coastal fshing ports. enormous antiquity’. Perhaps some of the past for the beneft of future The distribution of milk from rural things haven’t changed? generations'. areas greatly altered its availability in towns once cooling methods had Our inheritance of railway architecture David Astbury & Douglas Jackson been devised. Elsewhere in Britain, is of most interest to members of the November 2016 areas noted for a single product, such Victorian Society. Railway stations as Hampshire with its watercress, are perhaps the best examples of the The illustrations on page 2 are from could achieve much more distribution Victorians having to design and build Our Iron Roads by F S Williams of that product: railways delivered it to structures for purposes which had (1852) and Osborne's Guide to the London within hours of being picked. never previously existed. Precedents Grand Junction Railway (1838) for smaller stations, apart from the Undoubtedly the concept of what need for raised platforms, may lie we now call ‘the commuter’ was a in the smaller stable blocks and MANCHESTER FACEBOOK development of the great railway out-buildings of country houses. For The Manchester Group has had a age. Local examples would larger city termini the precedents are facebook account for over a year. This include business people working in the glass houses of Joseph Paxton is regularly updated and maintained Manchester and coming in by train and Decimus Burton. by Fiona Moate, a member of the daily from Wilmslow, Alderley Edge Manchester Group Committee. Go to and Congleton, journeys that would However, the need for huge, single https://www.facebook.com/manvicsoc/ not have been so feasible with a span station roofs demanded a totally timeline to contribute and share with horse and carriage. And as railway new engineering approach. The your contacts so that more people travel over shorter distances became train-shed of Paddington Station, are aware of the Victorian Society's cheaper for working people of more built in the 1850s by Brunel and events and campaigns. modest means, railways were the Wyatt, is regarded as one of the most catalyst for the creation of suburbs, successful and elegant architect/ which grew at a rapid rate four or engineer collaborations. The recently MANCHESTER GROUP: NEW fve miles outside major cities. The renovated St Pancras Station shows a EXHIBITION BOARDS Metropolitan Railway Company built clear division between the engineered and marketed housing from the 1880s train-shed of the 1860s by Barlow and The Manchester Group exhibition enabling commuting from a much Ordish, and the slightly later attached boards had been long overdue a greater distance. Betjeman’s beloved Midland Grand Hotel by Sir George makeover. During the summer Fiona suburban Metroland had arrived. Gilbert Scott. At that time the greatest Moate and Beryl Patten spent some mismatch could be viewed down the time designing, researching and It is astonishing too how quickly road at Euston – the Hardwicks’ 100 mounting the boards in time for the the Post Offce grasped the fact in metre wide replica Greek Propylaeum National AGM and the Manchester the 1830s that the railway could fronting Robert Stephenson’s glass Histories Festival, where they revolutionise its business. This is roofed train-shed. received their frst outing. even more surprising considering that mail coaches were at that time So the trains ran - but when did they If you know of an appropriate by far the quickest method of moving run? For the Victorians the answer event where they could be usefully both passengers and parcels around was one word: Bradshaw. George exhibited please contact us and we the country. Very soon the mail was Bradshaw was born in Pendleton, will be happy to provide them on travelling on most long-distance Salford, in 1800 and initially became loan.

3 AGECROFT CEMETERY CHAPEL UPDATE Renewed hope for the Agecroft Chapel? During early November visitors to Agecroft Cemetery in Salford will have noticed that the Anglican Chapel is slowly emerging from its covering of vegetation which has shrouded the building for several decades.

The work has been made possible by the efforts of the Agecroft Cemetery Chapel Restoration Group, a recently formed group of local volunteers, who are working to secure the funding to bring the building back into use.

With the support of City offcers and funding from Neighbourhood Committees across Salford the Group were able to commission an initial survey which confrmed that, despite the years of neglect, the building was in remarkably good shape and worthy of restoration. This local funding has also paid for the removal of vegetation, the crucial frst step in this process.

The chapel, unused for over 30 years, featured in the Victorian Society's ten most endangered buildings in 2013 but since that time progress has been limited until this latest initiative.

The Anglican Chapel at Agecroft (Grade II) is the centrepiece of a 45 acre civic burial ground originally known as the Salford Northern Cemetery. Opened in 1903 by Salford Corporation the cemetery was laid out on land in Pendlebury by Joseph Corbett, Salford's Borough Engineer. The unique cemetery buildings, with elements of gothic revival, art nouveau and arts and crafts styles, were designed by the Manchester architects Walter Sharp and Frederick Foster.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/ agecroftchapelrestoration/ and give your support to the campaign.

Beryl Patten Agecroft Anglican Chapel : the two drone photographs are courtesy Agecroft Cemetery Chapel of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society. South facing facade Restoration Group November 2016 stripped of vegetation, November 2016: photograph by Fiona Moate

4 1876, had immediate success with Knill Freeman formed partnerships RICHARD KNILL FREEMAN: Derby Library and Museum. In May in Derby with John Reginald Naylor BOLTON ARCHITECT 1878 he won two major competitions (Freeman and Naylor until 1881) and David French, a Manchester Group in Bolton: the Infrmary (judged in Newcastle with S Denison Robins, member and independent researcher, by Charles Barry) and Heaton (Freeman and Robins, 1888-1897), shares his knowledge of Richard Knill Cemetery, which included three the main purpose of which seems Freeman chapels. His success in competitions to have been to enter local was remarkable. Of 29 known competitions. His winning entries Richard Knill Freeman was a competition entries, he came frst in included Dublin Museum of Science versatile and prolifc architect whose 14 and second in a further four; the and Art (1882; not built), West practice was one of the largest in competitions had up to 60 entries. He Hartlepool municipal offces (1886) the north west of between sometimes submitted multiple entries: and Newcastle Water Company 1870 and 1904. Like most frms of for Bolton’s High Street Library in offces (1894). He was unsuccessful that time, Knill Freeman designed 1887 he submitted both a Gothic and in competitions for the Admiralty all types of building. He specialised a Queen Anne design. As his obituary and War Offce, London (1887), in new churches, restorations and in The Building News states, he 'went and town halls in Wakefeld (1877), additions, but also designed schools, in freely for architectural competitions, Leamington Spa (1881), Darwen vicarages, houses, theatres, pubs, in which he was far more successful (1897) and Taunton (1898). However, libraries and museums and even than the majority of those who regard many of these unsuccessful designs made additions to the piers at that form of speculation as a proftable were illustrated in the building trade and . Much of investment of time and money'. journals and the geographical spread his work was in Bolton, where he lived and worked, but his buildings are also found throughout Lancashire and the Lake District. He also designed houses and churches in Moscow and San Remo, Italy. Of approximately 180 buildings traced so far, about 70 survive in some form and over 30 of these are protected by listing or conservation area status. Pevsner describes his work 'not unlike that of R B Preston, with similarly effective but reserved Arts and Crafts detailing.'

Freeman was born in 1840 in Stepney, London, the son of a draper. Following the death of his father, the family moved to Portsea where Freeman was articled to the local architect George Rake from 1854 to 1860. By 1861 he was living in Bolton and had become secretary of the newly-formed Manchester Architectural Association. He may also have worked in Derby in the early 1860s. His frst job was managing the business of W W Whitaker, a Manchester architect. In 1865 Freeman formed a partnership with the Bolton architect George Cunliffe and by 1866 they had won the competition for Bolton’s Mechanics Institute. Their practice designed a number of churches, schools and banks, all in or very close to Bolton.

After leaving Cunliffe in 1871, Knill Freeman seems to have had little work. He began entering architectural competitions in his own right and in 5 shows his ambition. He later became working on about ten new churches. Moscow. Peter Ormrod, who paid a competition judge: in 1892 for £30,000 to build Bolton’s new parish Shrewsbury Police Station; in 1897 His housing designs ranged church of St Peter (by Paley), used for Bury Art Gallery and in 1902 for from model artisans' dwellings Freeman to extend his houses Withington Cemetery. to homes in the Lake District for at Halliwell Lodge, Bolton and Bolton’s nouveaux riches. He Wyresdale Park, Scorton (original The new churches that he designed designed buildings for three of house by Paley and Austin), as well and still stand include St Augustine, Bolton’s prominent citizens. For as to design a church near Ruabon in Tonge Moor, Bolton (1883-86), Dr Samuel Chadwick, a doctor memory of Ormrod’s wife. illustration page 5 ; Holy Trinity, South and philanthropist, he designed Shore, Blackpool (1894-5), which the Chadwick Museum in Queens The frms of Freeman and of Paley Pevsner considers his chef d’oeuvre; Park, Bolton (1879; demolished and Austin had a lot in common. St Aidan, Bamber Bridge (1894-5); in the 1950s), illustration page 7, Pevsner (2004) even stated that St. Lawrence, Barton (1895); Christ model housing and part of the Royal Freeman trained with Paley and Austin, although there is no evidence for this and the statement has been removed from the latest edition. However, there are at least 15 buildings that both practices worked on at different times. For example, Freeman added the tower to Paley and Austin’s St Anne’s, Lytham and restored Sharpe’s church at Mawdesley in 1892. Paley and Austin extended Freeman’s church at Ribbleton and both frms did important work for Peter Ormrod.

Freeman built in a variety of styles: Pevsner describes West Hartlepool municipal offces as 'semi-Dutch, semi-Flamboyant à la George & Peto.' He favoured late Gothic styles, often with a French infuence, for churches the designs often incorporating double transepts. He was particularly good at towers (for instance St Thomas and St John, Radcliffe). He frequently used Ruabon terracotta rather than stone for window surrounds. Many of his large houses were half-timbered, including the ones in Moscow and San Remo which were presumably for English expatriates. Some of his jolliest buildings are cemetery chapels, for instance at Blackrod and Swinton.

Freeman was associated with various other architects. Apart from Top: Central Higher Grade Board School (Grade II 1894), Great Moor his partnerships with Cunliffe, Robins Street, Bolton, converted to fats in 1999. Below: Doffcocker Inn, (1901) and Naylor he employed assistants Chorley Old Road, Bolton, unlisted and still in use as a public house including Charles Thomas Marshall (1889-1891), John Oliver Harris, Church, Heaton, Bolton (1895-6); Infrmary. The Musgrave family, Marshall Robinson, Dan Gibson, and St Simon and St Jude, Great Lever, mill owners, employed Freeman to Orlando Prescott, who later practised Bolton (1899-1901, with attached design their house, Brookland, in in Wigan. Freeman worked with school and hall) and St. Catherine, Bolton and the Musgraves’ trade Thomas Mawson on the large house Horwich (1902; completed by his son with Russia almost certainly led to at Graythwaite in the Lake District, in 1932). His most prolifc period was Freeman being commissioned to and is mentioned in Mawson’s the mid to late 1890s when he was design the only Anglican church in autobiography.

6 Freeman was closely involved with the Bolton Journal. He held offce as well as completing some of his both of Manchester’s architectural in connection with his local church, father’s designs. associations. He was secretary of the St Stephen and All Martyrs, Lever Manchester Architectural Association Bridge, Bolton, and was an active The Knill Freeman web site (www. in 1861 when he was 20 and in member of the Lancashire and davidfrench.org.uk/knillfreeman) 1890 was elected president of the Antiquarian Society, leading has been active for about a year. Manchester Society of Architects. He members on a tour of the church at It has about 300 pages, including was the ideal person to supervise the Turton which he had extended and one for each of the buildings, and amalgamation of the two societies, furnished in May 1890. over 200 images. A web site is an which he did in 1891. He was also ideal way of presenting continuing Diocesan surveyor for ecclesiastical Knill Freeman died on June 23 1904 research as it is easily corrected dilapidations. aged 64. His son, Frank Richard and updated and encourages Freeman (1870-1934), continued comment and input from others. Freeman was an accomplished artist, the practice after his death as Knill The web site allows the buildings to exhibiting at the Royal Academy nine Freeman & Son. He built a number of be viewed in three ways: by date, times between 1882 and 1894. Most churches in a somewhat similar style by building type and by location. of the exhibits were of his buildings, to his father such as Holy Trinity, Each list item is a link to the page the exception being the 'starved Failsworth (1906-09); St Paul, Marton illustrating the building. The site is monk's' tomb at Tewkesbury Abbey. (1908 and tower c.1933); and St also fully searchable. In addition to Other drawings, such as those of Bede, Morris Green, Bolton (1931), information on the buildings, there Hereford and Moreton Old Hall, appeared in building journals. The Hereford drawing also appeared in Scientifc American in 1888.

What is known of his character is not very positive. His obituary in The Building News stated that he 'was a very active, energetic, and distinctly clever man; he could speak well and easily. He had corns, as those who trod on them were apt to fnd out; he sometimes forgot that others might have corns too.' Much of his correspondence that remains involves disputes about fees and late payments. He was a supporter of the fshermen of Lytham, where he had connections, but his letter to the Lytham Times in 1887 nearly ended in litigation as a result of his comments about a local doctor. In Eitan Karol’s biography of Charles Holden it is suggested that Knill Freeman refused to take on Holden as a pupil because Freeman was 'unwilling to train an apprentice who might become or be helpful to a rival.' On the more positive side, he seems to have had a genuine interest in the welfare of the poor, designing model housing and industrial schools and speaking at meetings of the Sanitary Institute. He did work for the Diocesan Waifs and Strays Society and after his death his large house in Bolton became one of their homes.

He was 'conservative in politics, in religion a member of the High Church party and at one time an earnest supporter of the local branch of the English Church Union, according to 7 are pages on Freeman’s assistants, First impressions are of a massive pupils and related architects such as and somewhat forbidding structure, Holden and Mawson. Most of Frank softened just a little by dressing and Freeman’s buildings (about 30) have decoration of stone and terracotta. their own pages. There are also Internally the space is large, with essays on competitions, Freeman as quatrefoil piers supporting brick an artist, and his architectural style, arcading, a high clerestory, and an and a transcript of a lecture to the impressive timber hammerbeam roof. Manchester Architectural Association There is stained glass contemporary in 1861. with the church by Ward and Hughes. The most outstanding glass No records of the frm exist, and is however technically outside our the family died out with the death of period, being from the 1930s by M E Freeman’s son in 1934. My research Aldrich Rope, a nun whose Arts and is based entirely on the contemporary Crafts windows are in Shrewsbury building journals and local archives, RC Cathedral. The pulpit, a charming together with visits to most of the art nouveau angel, was designed remaining buildings. I would like to and carved by Manchester church thank Michael Shippobottom and Neil architect W Cecil Hardisty and E F Darlington for their help. Long, both of whom worshipped at the church. Hardisty's three remaining David French October 2016 churches in Manchester, Christ Church in Moss Side, St Philip in ST BENEDICT ARDWICK: Gorton and St Chads in Fallowfeld FROM CHURCH AND SCHOOL deserve further study. TO CLIMBING CENTRE This former bastion of High Much of the casework of the Anglicanism closed in 2002 due Victorian Society concerns churches, to a dwindling congregation. Now, with many becoming redundant though, a growing new 'congregation' and facing an uncertain future. With of climbers seems to have given this in mind, I decided to visit a it a secure future. The sensitive Manchester church of 1880 that has conversion has ensured that the been converted to a new, and rather artifcial cliffs complement the soaring different, use and was pleasantly gothic space and, as many of the surprised. original fttings remain, climbers can, for instance, enjoy abseiling past the Once the tallest building in the district, rose window. The clergy house and looming over neighbouring terraces the school buildings are incorporated now mainly demolished, St Benedict’s and used as training and meeting was endowed by a High Church rooms; a school room is appropriately alderman, John Marsland Bennett, a 'junior' climbing centre. whose wealth came from importing timber for the building of industrial Crowther’s screens, the in situ Manchester. Bennett purchased the cupboards, font and other fttings are land, supervised the construction still in place and the church could be of church and school, and proudly conceivably returned to its original worshipped there himself. use. Internal mezzanines, one of which houses an open plan cafe, His architect was John Stretch allow close inspection of the stained Crowther, who restored Manchester glass, stone carvings and elaborate Cathedral and was responsible for hammerbeam roof. several important churches locally including St Mary’s , St Alban The climbing centre is open daily Cheetham (demolished) and St and the staff, who are tremendously Matthew's Edgeley. Crowther’s proud of their building, are happy scholarly inclinations produced a for non-climbing fans of Victorian building of brick construction that was architecture to look around and have essentially Early English, with an east coffee and a cake. front having a seven light window and Photographs of St Benedict's by the west an impressive rose window. Fiona Moate and Beryl Patten Fiona Moate October 2016 8 CORNERLOT, A POSTCRIPT Since my article about this house in northern France for the Duke of Argyll and Princess Louise in the issue of the Winter 2015 Newsletter, a member of the architect’s family has been in contact with the Manchester Group and has kindly given permission for the reproduction of an etching of J H Somerset (right) made in 1909. Further details of the family have also emerged, summarised as follows:

James Herbert Somerset was born at on 15 February 1883. In 1909 his father, Henry Somerset, is listed as a maker-up and packer (Somerset and Co Limited) with a warehouse at 42 Whitworth Street and 1 Brazil Street, Manchester. This warehouse, built about 1900, was demolished in the late 1970s, although, as some members may recall, the entrance doorway remained for many years as an entrance to the car park which later occupied the site. Photographs of the building exist in Manchester Local Images. Henry Somerset died 14 November 1932 at Kersal House, Radford Street, Salford.

His aunt Ellen Naylor (his mother’s sister) married John Robinson Whitley, the owner of Hardelot Château and estate. It was presumably this family connection he appears to have resided in which led to James Herbert Somerset various London clubs, moving to BOOK REVIEW gaining the commission for Cornerlot Epsom during World War II. His The Almost Mythical Andrea from the Duke of Argyll, one of J addresses are recorded as follows: Crestadoro, Crystal Palace W Whitley’s fellow directors in the 1936 - Connaught Club, London exhibitor and Chief Librarian of scheme to develop the area into a (family record);1941 - Woodcote Manchester. resort. Hotel, Epsom, Surrey (family record); by Lucy M. Evans, 1967 - Gratwicke House, Norfolk Published by the Crystal Palace His uncle was Richard Gay Somerset, Road, Littlehampton, Sussex (probate Foundation, 2016. an artist and eminent member of the record). Available as a PDF (ISBN 978 1- Manchester School of Painters. He 897754 20 7) later moved to Betws-y-Coed and Commissions after his return www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk was a founder member of the Royal from Africa include a house at 41 Cambrian Academy, being their Southway, Hampstead Garden Andrea Crestadoro. I recognised the Vice President in 1919. (Susan W Suburb (1925-1926); Marina Bathing name, I’d read it on a list of former Thomson, Manchester’s Victorian Art Pool, Ramsgate (1934-1935), of white Chief Librarians of Manchester Public Scene and Its Unrecognised Artists, concrete in an ultra-modern style and Libraries, but I knew little more. 2007) intended to match attractions in other This book has been a revelation to South Coast resorts such as Saltdean a librarian who spent twenty years James Herbert Somerset never Lido; and Brighton B Power Station, working in Manchester Central married. Following war service, in Shoreham (1947-1952). Library. I have used Crestadoro’s 1921 he spent time in Africa as a Reference Library Catalogue - 'journalist'. On his return to London Neil Darlington June 2016 we turned to it when the regular 9 biography. His ideas live on. The conclusion of The Art of Making Catalogues imagined all knowledge brought together and accessible in a Universal Index of all books in all libraries, surely a nineteenth century vision of the perfect Internet?

Paula Moorhouse October 2016

MANCHESTER GROUP- EVENT REVIEWS St Martin’s Church, Low Marple, Anthony Burton.

22 September 2015 Part 1 26 September 2015 Part 2 The frst talk was held at the Friends’ Meeting House, the second at the church, where there was an Crestadoro briefy lived in Salford whilst preparing the Impulsoria for its opportunity to view the architecture appearance at the Great Exhibition of 1851. It generated much interest at and church fttings as well as to enjoy the time but technology had moved beyond real life horsepower and it the refreshments kindly provided was doomed to be nothing more than an entertaining spectacle. by members of the congregation. Anthony Burton was able to bring catalogues failed to locate an older libraries were new and highly valued to his subject both a general volume - but I never knew that the in Crestadoro’s time and he created perspective as a retired curator at man who created it also developed an ethos where all classes in society the Victoria and Albert Museum and a horse-drawn locomotive, the were welcomed, whether seeking a local one, as a son of Marple and a Impulsoria, which was exhibited at the instruction or entertainment. One worshipper at St Martin’s. Great Exhibition of 1851, contributed of his maxims, often quoted by his to early developments in aviation staff, was, 'what are rules for but to The frst talk dealt with the general with his Metallic Balloon, took out be broken?'. He died in 1879, still aspects and set St Martin’s in several patents and wrote on subjects involved in the life of the city, still the context of the liturgical and including tax reform in English, writing and inventing, and was buried architectural developments of its French and Italian. He was appointed in Ardwick Cemetery, his grave now day. We heard about the decline a Knight of the Crown of Italy, perhaps swept away with so many other of the Church of England in the in recognition of his ideas on the memorials to the people who made eighteenth century, leading to Italian state. I could say that I owe my Manchester. the foundation of Methodism and own career to him - one of the frst the Evangelical Movement in Chief Librarians to actively encourage Lucy Evans appears to have carried Anglicanism. A reappraisal of the the employment of women in public out meticulous research to glean church’s authority led to the founding libraries. the facts of her subject’s life from in 1833 of the publication Tracts for a wide range of sources. There the Times and the start of the Oxford Andrea Crestadoro was born in remains little personal material but by Movement, led by J H Newman and 1808 in Genoa. As a young man drawing on letters, archival sources, E B Pusey, advocating the focusing he was ordained as a priest but he brief recollections from members of worship on the sacraments and made no mention of this in later of his staff and his own writing, she the readoption of Roman Catholic life. His involvement in a syndicate has succeeded in giving us a sense practices. to promote the Impulsoria brought of an inquisitive, generous man There were parallel developments him to Paris, London and Salford. always seeking and usually fnding in architecture. The Evangelical In 1858, on the strength of his work, solutions to problems. W E A Axon, Movement was one of the reasons The Art of Making Catalogues,he the greatest of his protégés, was for the Church Building Acts of won the contract to create a printed much infuenced by him and wrote an 1818 and 1824, which resulted in catalogue for the Reference Library obituary. many nominally gothic churches of Manchester Free Libraries. When that were really glorifed preaching Edward Edwards resigned as Chief The author's affection for her boxes. A renewed interest in gothic Librarian in 1863, Crestadoro was subject is apparent throughout the architecture led to infuential books the obvious candidate to become book which makes it a personal on the subject and the development the third holder of that post. Public appreciation rather than a dry 10 trained the carvers himself. The pulpit, originally on the north side of the nave, was apparently displayed in the 1889 exhibition of the Arts and Crafts Society. Sedding was keen on reredoses and St Martin’s has a richly sculpted one. The church roof is plain but the chancel foor has patterned encaustic tiles; the chancel walls too were once patterned, but have been painted over. The roof decoration has been restored by Donald Buttress.

The gothic revival was marked by a renewed interest in stained glass, and St Martin’s refects this, with chancel windows made by Morris & Co. The fgures were designed by Burne-Jones, Madox Brown and Rossetti; the background executed by the frm. The east window is typical of Morris’s early practice of having fgures against a plain glass background. This window is in poor shape, but the cartoons still exist.

Sedding died suddenly in 1891 and the practice was taken over by Henry Wilson (1864-1934), who had joined it in 1888. Wilson was also very interested in crafts and became Clockwise from top: Two views of Henry Wilson's and Christpher Master of the Art Workers’ Guild in Whall's decorative scheme for the Lady Chapel; the exterior of 1917. He was among the few who St Martin's Church by JD Sedding. did not disparage the Art Nouveau of the gothic revival, with A W N off in the 1880s. In the second talk style sweeping through Europe, Pugin a major force through his we heard more about Sedding, who and he incorporated its motifs in the writings and church designs. This had to take over the design of St metalwork he did for St Martin’s (font movement became formalised with Martin’s when his brother Edmund, and candlesticks) and in the lettering the founding of the Cambridge who had been commissioned by Mrs round the altar. He also absorbed Camden (later Ecclesiological) Anne Hudson, died in 1868. The the ideas set out in the 1892 book Society in 1839, which published two brothers’ practice was at that Architecture, Mysticism and Myth The Ecclesiologist and numerous time based in Penzance and their by W R Lethaby, and the font cover pamphlets laying down the principles work consisted mainly of church takes the form of a cosmic diagram of proper church design enabling the restoration. No biography of Sedding representing the Holy Spirit. liturgy advocated by the ‘Tractarians’; has been written, but he appears J S Crowther’s churches were to have impressed people with his In 1895 Wilson was commissioned to regarded as exemplars in the North- personality and energy, and was add a Lady Chapel. It had a fat roof West. described as warm and impulsive. and a barrel vault in the sanctuary with decorations by Christopher Anthony went on to discuss the As St Martin’s was designed on Whall, who also provided stained characteristics of the major High Ecclesiological principles, it was glass windows in the nave; art Victorian architects, concluding with imbued with symbolism, the choir nouveau elements were present J D Sedding (1838-91), who adopted representing the church triumphant in the altar gates. There was a a more delicate style than some of and the rood screen the transition further extension on the north side his predecessors. He was strongly from life to death. The screen of the church in 1909, reached by a infuenced by the ideas of John (installed in 1888) and chancel stalls rounded arch. A nude sculpture of St Ruskin and William Morris on the are richly carved, although not as Christopher was also added, possibly virtue of craftsmanship and was a elaborate as those at Tideswell, infuenced by Michelangelo’s David. founder member of the Art Workers’ also the (unacknowledged) work of It is not known how the new work Guild. In this he anticipated the Arts Sedding. He was deeply involved was commissioned; Mrs Hudson had and Crafts movement, which took with his craftsmen and would have died in 1884 and the Brabyns estate

11 had passed to her daughter. Wilson Beresford-Hope, to build a training shire. Regarding his 1878 design for also did the bronze war memorial college for colonial clergy - St St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne (But- in 1924. He did not continue as an Augustine’s, Canterbury. Later terfeld’s fnal colonial project), only architect, but became a teacher and Beresford-Hope part-fnanced the sandstone interior is as he intend- silversmith and is best known for his Butterfeld’s All Saints, Margaret ed - spires were added to the exterior jewellery. Street, London - the frst Ruskin- as late as the 1930s. However, in the infuenced High Victorian church lower sections of the exterior may be With its variety of features, Anthony and regarded as a model by the seen Butterfeld’s original patterned described St Martin’s as a Ecclesiologists. Both exterior brick and stone design, reminiscent Gesamtkunstwerk. It can be visited and interior featured patterned of the 'model' Ecclesiologist church, on summer Saturdays and is always polychromic brick and stone designs. All Saints, Margaret Street, dating open on Heritage Open Days. The The interior with its red granite piers from thirty years earlier. surplus funds from the two events was also richly decorated. were donated to the charitable trust David Astbury January 2016 that has been set up to help preserve An article in the frst issue of The the church and its contents. Ecclesiologist magazine in 1841 had The Early Nursery Trade in discussed church building in New Manchester and the North West, Roger Barton October 2015 Zealand and in 1845 this quotation 1750 -1900. from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Dr. Joy Uings Imperial Gothic: William Butterfeld appeared: 'We bestride this narrow 24th November 2015 FMH and the Development of Colonial world like a colossus' - to exemplify Over 250 years ago horticultural Ecclesiology the current and future growth of tradesmen were known by a The Victorian Society Waterhouse the British Empire. There were now variety of names, from gardeners Lecture opportunities for Victorian architects to seedsmen, forists and fruiterers. Dr. Alex Bremner well beyond Britain’s shores. Many services were provided, 31 October 2015 including basic plant sales and The Church of St Cross, Clayton, In the 1860s, Butterfeld along with landscaping to the development of Manchester the Rev. Edward Medley designed shops and strawberry tea gardens. Dr Alex Bremner is Senior Lecturer in a timber church, Christ Church, Architectural History at the University in St Stephen, New Brunswick, Dr. Uings' talk surveyed some of Edinburgh. One of his research Canada. In collaboration with Frank of the pre -Victorian horticultural interests is 19th century religious Wills, Butterfeld designed Christ tradesmen, including one of the frst architecture (particularly Anglican Church Cathedral, Fredericton, from Manchester, Robert Turner and Nonconformist) in Britain and its New Brunswick. Designing a new of Kersal Moor. Advertisements equivalents created throughout what cathedral in the colonies offered an for his business appeared in the was then Britain’s colonial empire. opportunity rare on mainland Britain. Manchester Mercury of 1755 for He edited the Victorian Society’s The patron in Canada was Bishop goods such as fruit trees and forest 2012 publication Ecclesiology John Medley, an Oxford man with trees including Spanish Chestnuts up Abroad and is the author of the High Church sympathies. However to ffteen feet high! The machinery to multi-award winning Yale University the design was criticised by the transport and plant such specimens 2013 publication, Imperial Gothic: Ecclesiological Society as being was indeed ingenious. Boardman's, Religious Architecture and High more like a parish church than a at the Spread Eagle in Salford, Anglican Culture in the British Empire cathedral. The design was in fact was an early local plantsman who c.1840-70. This lecture focused on based on St Mary’s, Snettisham, specialised in fruit trees. the work of William Butterfeld and Norfolk, a fourteenth century church was delivered in the architect’s Grade which Butterfeld had restored in the In the eighteenth century Manchester II* Church of St Cross, Clayton (1863 1840s. forists raised fowering plants from - 66). seed and crossbred them, including Butterfeld also provided Ruskin- the pretty 'auricula'. Evidence from William Butterfeld was born in infuenced plans for the church of St the Manchester Mercury of 1753 has London in 1814 and after taking Matthew, Auckland on a pro bono the Goodens advertising 500 types of articles established his architectural basis although that church was never this fower alone. Some plants were practice in Lincoln’s Inn Fields built. He also supplied plans to the so rare they commanded prices of in 1840. Despite coming from a Rev. Robert Gray (Anglican Bishop a guinea each. In contrast a guinea nonconformist background, in of Capetown) for the church of St would purchase two thousand birch 1844 he became a member of Saviour's, Claremont, completed in seedlings. the Ecclesiological Society whose 1872, and later designed a memorial objects were 'to advise on Church to the Bishop. The focus of Dr. Uings' talk then building at and in the colonies'. dwelt on the specifc case study Butterfeld’s design for St Peter’s, of Caldwell's Nursery of Knutsford He was commissioned by the Adelaide may have been infuenced from 1766 -2001. Such detailed Society’s President, Alexander by Southwell Minster in - research is due to the existence of

12 The Holiness of Beauty: had been built on Ecclesiological and the principles in 1844-6 (J P Harrison). Aesthetic Movement The frst curate, Robert Suckling, Michael Hall set up a ‘penitentiary’ in Bussage 7 January 2016 FMH for prostitutes and other ‘fallen Michael Hall’s talk was based on women’ from the Stroud workhouse his thesis that the work of G F with the aim of encouraging them to Bodley (1827-1907) was linked change their lives. In 1851 Bodley to Aestheticism. The origins of was appointed to add an aisle to the this movement lay in the 1860s church to accommodate the women with William Morris and the Pre- and the Sisters who accompanied Raphaelites, although the name did them. Although this had to ft in with not become current until the next the style of the existing church, decade. Bodley moved in artistic Bodley introduced carvings including circles and got to know the Pre- lilies at various points. Lilies were Raphaelites early in his career, but a symbol of purity and featured in it was not until 1894 that he met the a number of paintings of the Virgin prominent Aestheticist Oscar Wilde Mary of the period. While female when they were both invited for tea purity underlies the doctrine of in Florence by Lady Paget. Bodley the Annunciation, it was also a had wide artistic interests, designing preoccupation of contemporary opulent vestments and writing poetry painters, who often used fallen as well as being an architect. After women as a subject. giving us a brief biography of the man, Michael focused on three The second church was All Saints, Anglo-Catholic churches as evidence Cambridge, designed by Bodley in for his thesis. 1861, with a tower and spire added ten years later. Here for the frst The frst case study was St Michael’s time Bodley had the interior richly Church, Bussage (near Stroud), decorated, mainly by F R Leach, in visited by some of us on a tour co- a manner replete with symbolism. led by Michael in 2012. The church Some of this was theological, with

the extensive archive transcribed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. The archive includes day and order books, accounts and purchase ledgers with details of plant prices and their purchasers. In the nineteenth century Caldwell's customer base spread to Preston, Liverpool, Middlewich and Hulme. Manchester middle class families moved out to homes in the new suburbs of Stretford, Sale and and their gardens were stocked with the latest fashionable ornamental plants and shrubs such as camellias and rhododendrons.

For further details on the Caldwell Nurseries Project is available at www.caldwellachives.org.uk

We thank Dr. Uings for her talk and insight into this research project Clockwise: Clumber Park and Church in 1900, the architect George Anne Hodgson. December 2015. Frederick Bodley, and St Mary the Virgin, Clumber also in 1900 13 texts linked to All Saints’ Day from We built this city: the work of Founded in 1865, the MSA was a Revelation, St Matthew’s Gospel Manchester Architects over 150 strictly professional association of (the Beatitudes) and the Psalms; years twenty practising principals and was there were similar allusions in the 16 February 2016 exclusively concerned with matters east window, which illustrated the Special Collections Gallery, Sir of professional practice. The original Church Triumphant celebrated on Kenneth Green Library, MMU members may be said to be typical that day. However, other aspects of of their age, fghting for recognition the paintings followed the style of of a profession which still had no the Pre-Raphaelites: depiction of legal status. Some indication of the music making, sumptuous clothing Society’s aims and objectives may and the impression of patterned silk be found in the opening words of its as a background. Michael argued original constitution, that: 'The society that this was all part of Bodley’s shall consist only of gentlemen', belief in beauty as an ideal with a while its frst president, Isaac Holden timeless quality paralleling that of the noted that 'the reading of papers, Sacraments. Michael noted another whilst they may excite our younger parallel between Anglo-Catholicism members would weary if they did not and the Aesthetic Movement: both further annoy the elder'. By 1891, the were thought to appeal to women membership of this select group had and both were regarded with increased to 45, or by approximately suspicion as encouraging effeminacy. one member a year.

The third example was the Chapel of It was probably the Manchester St Mary the Virgin at Clumber Park, Architectural Association, founded near . A previous chapel in December 1860 by G S Aitken, dating from 1872 was demolished an assistant in the offce of Alfred by the 7th Duke of Newcastle, who, An architectural exhibition is always Waterhouse, that formed the true incidentally, was a friend of Wilde. welcome, especially one promoting prototype for the later development Bodley was commissioned to design the rich architectural history of of the Society. Less of a gentlemen’s a chapel on a new site in 1886. In Manchester. Marking the 150th club, by 1891 the association had doing so he took account of the ideas anniversary of the founding of the 91 members, half being practising of Walter Pater, the Oxford academic Manchester Society of Architects, this architects and the remainder who wrote essays on the philosophy exhibition brought together material assistants, pupils and honorary of Aestheticism. Pater was interested held in the MSA Library at MMU and members. There were a great in the fusion of the Greek and the the archives of the offces of former number of lectures - probably too Gothic. The assertion of his pupil presidents. many - on a vast range of subjects: Ninian Comper that Bodley had no in 1878 Thomas Worthington, interest in Hellenism is contradicted The exhibition concentrated chiefy seemingly unable to think of anything in his writings and at Clumber he on the early years of the MSA new, spoke simply on 'Things in put this into practice. Although (1865-1914), and was therefore of General'. The Association had its own the style of the building is severe, special interest to the Manchester library and conducted weekly classes it incorporates mouldings with a Group of the VicSoc. The exhibition in design and construction, offering sensuous quality that recall the effect included drawings by MSA founders prizes to the best students. Although of cloth draped around a body. In Alfred Waterhouse, Thomas it had been intended to make a joint addition there are carvings of trailing Worthington and Edward Salomons approach by the two societies for vine leaves and grapes, associated as well as designs by Edgar Wood an alliance with the RIBA, it was the with Greece by artists of the period. and Henry Sellers, key fgures in MSA that unilaterally presented its Clumber Park is a National Trust the Arts and Crafts movement. new rules to the RIBA and before property and is open to the public. Also featured were designs by long became the recognised allied Bradshaw Gass and Hope and Harry society for the region. In 1892, and Michael’s audience found his thesis S Fairhurst and Son, as well as not without considerable opposition, intriguing but discussions afterwards the work of some less well-known the Manchester Architectural showed that not everyone was fully architects. These include Salomons’ Association was absorbed into the convinced. Perhaps we should all last partner, Alfred Steinthal, Alfred MSA. As a result, membership more read his exhaustive book, George Darbyshire, and J H Andrews and than doubled, from 45 to 97, while Frederick Bodley and the Later Butterworth. Rare original copies many of the features of the MAA Gothic Revival in Britain and America of pattern and source books held were assimilated into the newly (Yale University Press, 2014), in in the MSA library formed the core incorporated MSA. which his arguments are put forward of the display and include W and G in more detail. Audsley’s Polychromatic Decoration Perhaps the most surprising (1881) and Bowman and Crowther’s exhibit was a copy of the 1945 Roger Barton. July 2016 Churches of the Middle Ages. City of Manchester Plan. This

14 plan called for the demolition of By the mid 1830s the authorities The Northern Roots of Parker and almost all Victorian and Edwardian began to realise that rather than Unwin buildings in central Manchester. banning or repressing the printed Dr Mervyn Miller Had this proposed act of municipal word, it could be controlled to inform 26 May 2016 FMH vandalism on an unprecedented and educate the emergent artisans. Although to Mancunians Barry Parker scale been implemented it would Professor Maidment illustrated this (1867-1947) means Wythenshawe, have undoubtedly resulted in the with many examples of publications developed from the 1930s, Mervyn total destruction of the majority of the brought along for the audience to Miller quite properly focused on buildings displayed in the exhibition. view. The Poor Man's Almanac of the Victorian Society’s period, 1835 horrifed the ruling classes during most of which Parker was in Neil Darlington February 2016 with its ridiculous prophecies and partnership with Raymond Unwin emotional, populist style. To counter (1863-1940). Dr Miller is the leading Abel Heywood A Subversive this, The Society for the Diffusion of authority on the two men, having Victorian Newsagent Useful Knowledge published a rival studied them for some 40 years. Professor Brian Maidment almanac of more serious writings to An architect by training, he became 17 March FMH inform as well as entertain. Alongside interested in their work in Letchworth The focus of Professor Maidment's these examples we could peruse other when a conservation offcer for North talk was the liberalisation of attitudes satirical and political publications such Hertfordshire District Council. He towards the printed word, 1830-60. as The Political Almanac and Figaro's has now written several books on The Tories, on the whole, wanted to Court Almanac. their involvement in the garden city deny the mass circulation of news, movement. views and literature to the newly From his Oldham Street warehouse emerging working classes in order Heywood successfully continued Although Parker and Unwin were to keep them ignorant of politically to sell publications ranging from half-cousins, and later became infammatory material. Thus paper educational books to penny novels brothers-in-law, their backgrounds and printed materials were heavily in weekly parts, from inexpensive were very different. Parker was taxed. However the progressive view reprints of American authors to trained in the decorative arts, was that this new, industrialised class popular music and Bibles. Some of studying at art colleges in Derby and needed to be more literate to deal with the examples we could read were Sheffeld, before being articled to the modern age. Therefore it would be The Family Economist, The British Faulkner Armitage, whose frm made better if the ruling classes managed, Workman and Hodgson's Songbook house decorations and furniture rather than repressed, access to the of religious songs. As we saw, not in Altrincham. Unwin, in contrast, printed word, thus ensuring some everything Heywood stocked was served an engineering apprenticeship measure of political control. So what subversive as he recognised readers' in Chesterfeld and later worked then was the role of Abel Heywood in restless appetites for vast quantities of for the Staveley Coal and Iron Manchester? A subversive newsagent all types of literature. Company at Barrow Hill. Unwin's or a member of the Establishment? interest in aesthetics and socialism From the mid 1830s onwards, developed after attending lectures Manchester was the 'shock city' of governments realised that untaxed by John Ruskin and William Morris. Victorian Britain. Abel Heywood was newspapers would not disappear and He also came under the infuence an autodidact from a poor background so from 1836 taxes were gradually of the author and philosopher who began work, aged nine, in one of reduced and eventually repealed. So, Edward Carpenter in Sheffeld and Manchester's warehouses, gradually the battle for liberalisation had been for two years was secretary of the becoming immersed in radical politics. won and Abel Heywood had embraced Manchester branch of the Socialist He argued that political culture should and encouraged radical politics while League. He later promulgated the be freely available to the working being commercially successful. idea that the quality of design should classes, so broke the law by selling be the same for all classes of house, unstamped (i.e. untaxed) periodicals In later life he was a Radical Liberal a ‘design continuum’. and then founded reading groups and had municipal success being and reading rooms in which political Mayor of Manchester twice, guiding Parker and Unwin frst collaborated discussions could take place. Waterhouse's Town Hall to completion. in 1894 at St Andrew’s Church, Barrow Hill, where Unwin designed Alongside this he was also creating The bell the building and Parker the internal a market for his books. He was known as Great Abel, bears a ftting fttings. Both men already had imprisoned for four months in 1832 for inscription from Tennyson, 'Ring out architectural experience: Parker had attacking 'The stronghold of tyranny', the false, ring in the true' helped with Armitage’s architectural but from prison continued to edit and projects and designed houses for his sell radical publications such as The Many thanks to Professor Maidment father, a bank manager in Buxton, Poor Man's Guardian. Sales continued for his informative and well -illustrated while Unwin had planned houses to increase despite, or perhaps talk. and institutions for pit villages such because of, Heywood's increasing as Barrow Hill, Poolsbrook and notoriety. Anne Hodgson May 2016 . Their joint practice

15 started in 1896 in Buxton, where they to design a new garden city, which had offces on The Quadrant with was eventually built in Letchworth. 2015 AGM CONSERVATION furniture designed, surprisingly, by Subsequently Unwin was appointed, REPORT Unwin. Their commissions consisted together with Edwin Lutyens, as Ken Moth, Chairman of the mainly of large houses in the North architect for Hampstead Garden Northern Buildings Committee Midlands, for which they designed Suburb on a site bought from gave the not only the buildings but also the Eton College. The Parker/Unwin Casework Report for 2015 furniture and fttings; in this they partnership broke up amicably in were assisted by Parker’s youngest 1915. Unwin became a planner, while Last year I commented on the failure brother Stanley, who had trained Parker did work abroad (including a of organisations, both secular and with CFA Voysey. Their houses were civic centre in Oporto and a garden religious, to obtain appropriate mainly in an arts and crafts style, city in São Paulo) before starting his professional advice when seeking to infuenced by Baillie Scott as well as project in Manchester. effect changes to historic buildings, Voysey. and also that when VicSoc submits Parker and Unwin were hugely comment on applications we often We were shown many photographs infuential, not only through their role don’t learn what the fnal outcome and sketches, including the complex in the garden city movement but also is as there is no requirement on interiors with different zones, foor in their writings, particularly their authorities to provide feedback. and window heights, inglenook book The Art of Building a Home freplaces, minstrels’ galleries etc. (1901). Their studio can be seen Another persistent problem lies in There are many examples left in at the Garden Cities Exhibition in the Ecclesiastical Exemption and Buxton, though unfortunately not Letchworth, linked to the Garden City the failure of the Church of England Moorlands, the Parker family home. Collection where Dr Miller is Parker to follow its own procedures. Again, In Greater Manchester remaining Scholar. We are most grateful to him there are occasions where the buildings include The Shanty in for sharing his scholarship with us. Church fails to consult the Society. Marple (ca 1895) and Whirriestone In addition the person who oversees in Bamford, Rochdale (1907, with Roger Barton July 2016 the process in each diocese, the 1909 extension), considered by the Chancellor, is often not qualifed in speaker to be their fnest work. planning and listed building consent matters. As the process is all within At a conference on garden cities in the control of the Church of England, 1901 Unwin met two people who the church is effectively both were to change the direction of applicant and controlling authority, the practice. One was the son of and unfortunately there are cases Joseph Rowntree, who arranged where the judgement of applications for Unwin and Parker to design the is unjustifably biased towards the model village of New Earswick. The applicant. In 2015 we have had to other was Ebenezer Howard, who complain to the church authorities commissioned the two architects on several occasions, as a result of which previous approvals have been overturned. However, it is wrong that we have to police the system in this way and the situation is far from satisfactory.

Bolton, Victoria Square, Town Hall Grade II*, 1873, William Hill Proposal Bolton Council had identifed the Town Hall as being not ft for purpose. In recent years it has seen a decline in public bookings for the use of its facilities and a general refurbishment, for a building that has, since 1981, gone without signifcant investment, is recognised as a necessity. In addition, and more contentiously, alterations to the Victoria Square elevation were proposed in order to Clockwise:a cottage interior, a hall at Marple and a design for a hamlet - create bars and cafes in the plinth- ilustrations from The Art of Building a Home, Raymond Unwin and Barry like basement on which the Hall Parker, published in 1901 sits. 16 VicSoc Comments The Committee but its impact, and the proposed side of the viaduct, where greater felt that some opening-up of the treatment of this space, was unclear. simplicity of material and form would east façade could be acceptable in The same applied to many of the be far preferable. principle, but its acceptability would alterations proposed, the full impact depend on the extent of opening- of which was diffcult to decipher from Manchester, Didsbury, Wilmslow up being the minimum required, it the sparse information and unhelpful Road, Former Manchester being sympathetically detailed and drawings submitted. The level of Metropolitan University Main on there being genuine interest information was simply not suffcient Building Grade II*, c. 1790 with from operators of the proposed new for works of this scale to a Grade II*- major additions of 1842 units. The symmetry of the building, listed building. Proposal In July 2014 P J Livesey its central staircase, and the heavy was announced as the developer of plinth on which it sits are important Nelson, Brierfeld, Glen Way, Manchester Metropolitan University’s components in its character. The Brierfeld Mill Grade II, 1838 and large former Didsbury campus. The short windows in the plinth reinforce later Society was consulted on a series its sense of sturdiness. Lengthening Proposal The vast Brierfeld Mill has of applications that would see the all the windows in the east elevation languished on English Heritage’s ‘at principal Grade II*-listed building would therefore be very damaging risk’ register for a number of years converted to house 31 dwellings, and we did not see the justifcation now and attempts to fnd new uses the Grade II-listed chapel converted for doing so. A minimum number of for the building have, so far, failed. to host 10 apartments and the doors should be created, with the In 2012 Pendle Council took the rest of the site populated with new openings symmetrical on either side. courageous step of purchasing the dwellings. Given the slightly sloping site, and building with the intention of bringing the evident need to provide access about its regeneration. We were VicSoc Comments From the to the northern units, we conceded notifed of an application for the information submitted it was unclear the installation of steps on the north conversion of certain parts of the precisely where the signifcance of side of the principal elevation. We wider mill complex to include hotel, the administration building lay. The objected to the extension of the restaurants, gym and spa, as well as desire for three-storey town houses windows in the north and south a new parking area. put undue strain on the historic elevations, for which there was no building. Two-storey units would be justifcation. VicSoc Comments The extensive far less damaging. The proposals Brierfeld complex is an impressive for roof-top terraces would entail Manchester, Oxford Road, sight and of great townscape merit. the loss of a vast amount of historic Palace Hotel Grade II*, 1891-5 However, the buildings that are the fabric and would result in a visually Alfred Waterhouse, 1906-12, subject of this application are all unhappy resolution of the roof form. Paul Waterhouse, 1932 and later compromised to a greater or lesser The proposals for the conversion alterations extent, such that their adaptation and of the interior of the chapel were Proposal Alfred Waterhouse conversion as proposed would not acceptable, although there was designed the building for the Refuge be objectionably harmful. The project scope for the reinstatement of lost Insurance Company who occupied is commendably ambitious and we detailing. The design of the new it for nearly a century, expanding it offered our encouragement. apartment building was poor, being as required. It was converted to a too bulky, too tall and over-assertive. hotel in 1996. In 2013 it was acquired Manchester, Oxford Road, Oxford Its elevation treatment should be by Starwood Capital Group which Road Station Grade II, 1958-60; more restrained. had drawn up plans to refurbish the incorporates the Manchester building and the facilities it offers. South Junction & Altrincham Altrincham, Dunham Massey, Railway Company Viaduct, Grade St Margaret (C of E, ) VicSoc Comments The Committee II, 1846-9 Grade II*, W. Hayley, 1853-55, was not convinced by the proposed Proposal As part of the Northern extended by W. Tapper, 1923-25 circulation route, with a major new Hub, Manchester’s Oxford Road Proposal We were consulted on entrance planned from the north. Station is to be remodelled and proposals to build extensions to It seemed somewhat perverse that enlarged, for which applications the west and east of this church to the original courtyard was not used had been submitted. Works include provide meeting rooms, lavatories, as the hotel’s principle entry. We the lengthening of platforms, a new and social space. suggested that the 1930s fabric on station footbridge and roof, and the the east side of the courtyard could widening of the 1840s viaduct. VicSoc Comments be removed so as to re-establish the The principle of providing new original route through to that side of VicSoc Comments The principle facilities was not unacceptable the building. The fne gates on Oxford of the scheme was acceptable but particularly if it relieved pressure on Road should not be reconfgured. the confusing juxtaposition of styles the fne historic interior. However, the Internally, the demolition of the 1980s proposed was inappropriate and existing designs required revision. fabric within the main ground-foor unsympathetic. The designs should The principle of ‘completing’ the un- space was probably to be welcomed, be revisited, particularly on the south fnished aisles was uncontentious

17 but the proposed enclosures, with Manchester, Hanging Ditch, Corn of comprehensive information that splayed walls, would penetrate too Exchange Grade II, 1903 one expects of such an application far into the church, causing serious Proposal We were notifed of a and further detail was required. harm. We also objected to the proposal to convert the upper foors Certain parts of the mill retain a large degree of internal subdivision of the former Corn Exchange to a good many historic fttings and it is and glazing, which would be alien. boutique hotel. We had no objection important that these are preserved in Cellular spaces should be contained to the building’s conversion. any conversion. within the volumes created by However, we stressed the importance the new aisle extensions and not of retaining as much of the historic Prestwich, St Hilda’s Church intrude on the main volume. The interior as possible. Grade II, F P Oakley, 1903/4 architectural expression of the Proposal A former iteration of this proposed new structure to the north Ashton on Mersey, Church of St scheme was discussed by the east would be unduly harmful and Mary Grade II, 1874, Wilson and Committee in 2014. The scheme had a greater degree of separation Oldham (C of E, Manchester) been amended and the proposed between the new building and the Proposal The proposal includes the extension reduced in size and moved church should be achieved. removal of the pews from the church to a different location on site and creation of a prayer room by Oldham, 37-39 Mumps, re-siting the chapel screen as well as VicSoc Comments The size and Manchester & County Bank Grade other interior changes. location of this extension was II, Mills and Murgatroyd, 1902-3 preferable to previous schemes. Proposal We were notifed of the VicSoc Comments We did not However the architectural quality submission of applications proposing object to the removal of the pews of the extension was very poor and a major redevelopment of the provided that an appropriate chair revised designs were needed. Oldham Mumps site. The scheme was selected such as a Howe 40/4 hopes to transform the area with or Theo. The proposed carpet was The Ordsall Chord At our December a new range of shops, bars and not acceptable. If the original foor meeting we were informed that works restaurants and around 800 new is good quality then we would like had now commenced on site. This homes. Part of the proposals involve to see it restored, if it is not then a follows the result of the latest appeal, the extension and conversion of the good quality hardwood foor should which concluded that the original Grade II-listed former Manchester be selected. We requested more inspector’s fnding was sound. The and County Bank, which would details on how the transept screen judge also ruled out any further provide additional commercial was to be glazed and how the ceiling appeals. and offce space, restaurant and was to be designed. We were not gymnasium. convinced by the asymmetry of the Ken Moth January 2016 proposed nave altar platform in what VicSoc Comments The bank is is a very symmetrical building and Mark Watson's Report identifed by Pevsner as one of requested that alternative proposals Mark Watson reported on progress the most impressive in Greater be prepared. at the London Road Fire Station Manchester, and there may be and showed a short flm made by a case for having it upgraded. Rochdale, Middleton, Oldham students about the building Its restoration and conversion Road,Warwick Mill Grade II, was in principle to be welcomed. George Stott, 1907 He reported that Crumpsall Library’s However, the proposed scheme Proposal Our comments were future was looking rosier now that it would not provide this nationally sought on a proposal for the had new owners. important building with the sort conversion and extension of Warwick of sympathetic reuse it requires. Mill to a mix of wholesale and retail 58 Richmond Street, Manchester Most damaging would be the uses. had been listed Grade II by demolition of the entire roof and Heritage England. This is probably its replacement with a two-storey VicSoc comments In principle Manchester’s second oldest glazed extension for additional this was an acceptable scheme. reinforced concrete building c 1911. residential accommodation. This However, the detailed proposals would be seriously damaging to were not suffciently sympathetic. We The Victoria Station War Memorial by the appearance and well-reserved objected to the wholesale removal George Wragge was being restored character of the exterior of the of the original windows: they are as part of the station re-development. building. Also objectionable was the an important part of the building’s new building to which the former character and should be retained. A Efforts to save the Black Horse bank would be attached. It was not unifed single-storey roof extension (1879) on The Crescent in Salford, of suffcient quality to occupy this might also look more appropriate a Henry Lord building, were ongoing sensitive and important location and than the somewhat cluttered but did not look at all promising. would detract from the setting of the additions proposed, particularly listed building. from a distance. More generally, the Stanley Grove School in Longsight application failed to provide the sort had been saved and is to be

18 redeveloped to make it suitable for future use. This after discussions with the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society.

Crossley’s Lads Club has been surveyed by the Architectural History Practice and will be saved but at the expense of Whitworth Street Baths next door.

The Manchester Council conservation department seems to be taking a new interest in local Board Schools,using the Victorian Society's publication on Manchester Board Schools by Sam Barnes.

Withington Baths’ future now seems more certain now that the local community have persuaded the council to let them run it. Wall painting by Clayton and Bell, St Michael, Garton on the Wolds, East Progress at Ancoats Dispensary is Yorks 1872 (for Sir Tatton Sykes). Photograph by Fiona Moate slow.

Mark Watson January 2016 commercial production, rather than the autograph innovations of specifc SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 2016 artists. Commercially produced and A Christmas Coach Excursion MANCHESTER GROUP once ubiquitous, frm wall paintings and Lunch to Lytham St Anne's 2016-2017 Events have not been accorded the same in celebration of the Manchester study or conservation treatment as Group's 50th Anniversary TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2016 other wall paintings in the years since An illustrated talk their execution. Consequently, many Lytham St Anne's: Manchester by have been destroyed, intentionally the Sea English Victorian Ecclesiastical or inadvertently, and those which wall painting: who wanted it, who do survive are often materially Highlights include the Fairhaven painted it, and why it matters. compromised. United Reformed Church (1907- 12) by Briggs, Wolstenholme and With Elizabeth Woolley, conservator This talk is based on PhD research Thornley) also known as the White currently being undertaken at the Church and St Anne's on Sea with The Victorian era represents a Courtauld Institute of Art. It will make its Glasgow-manufactured cast iron watershed in the technology of wall the case, via illustrations, statistics seaside furniture (Saracen Foundry) painting. Alongside lively and narrative, that surviving Victorian and pier (1885 by A Dowson), the experimentation in wall paint- ecclesiastical wall painting should be town centre laid out by Maxwell and ing technique in the fne art world, re-situated as an important and rare Tuke and St Anne's Church (1872-3, there was a boom in ecclesiastical part of our national artistic, industrial Paley and Austin and 1885-6, R Knill wall painting. The coincidence of and social inheritance. Freeman). Finally at the Gothic Revival and the Oxford there will be an explanation of the Movement resulted in a new accept- Elizabeth Woolley went to school in ongoing restoration of the Victorian ance of, and demand for, decorated Crewe, read History and Economics gardens by Randall Thorp Landscape church interiors. However, typically at Cambridge University (2006) and Architects. these schemes were not buon fresco, obtained her MA in Conservation waterglass or spirit fresco (as were of Wall Painting at the Courtauld Lunch will be served at 2.00pm. fne art commissions), but oil paint- Institute (2010). Before embarking ing, and produced by ecclesiastical on a PhD, she worked as a freelance Further details and booking forms decorating frms such as Clayton & wall painting conservator on projects can be found on pages 25 and 26 Bell, Heaton, Butler & Bayne and in Cyprus, Malta, India and the UK. of this newsletter. Hardman, rather than fne artists. 7 pm for 7.15 pm It helps us enormously if you The technical signifcance of frm Friends Meeting House, return your booking form and wall paintings lies in their industrial, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS menu selection as soon as Cost: £8 possible. 19 Several women of local interest, such SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2017 as Georgina Harris who was born at TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2017 Annual General Meeting Eccles and lived through the siege An illustrated talk followed by an illustrated talk. .of Lucknow, Thérèse Yelverton (born at Cheetwood) whose marriage case Edward Walters, architect: the Victorian Women Travellers transfxed Victorian society and Lucy Manchester Legacy Atkinson, whose husband Thomas With John Theakstone, independent Witlam Atkinson was the subject With Neil Darlington, architectural researcher of our November 2016 talk, will be historian covered, as will well-known women Our AGM speaker will be John travellers such as Isabella Bird, Anna Unlike the architects Thomas Theakstone, a geographer and Brassey, Eka Gordon Cumming, Worthington and Alfred Waterhouse, educator with a special interest in Marianne North and Mary Taylor. no serious monograph of Edward the lives of women in the nineteenth Walters has been undertaken. century. John is the author of several After graduating from the University Previously regarded as one of the books and ebooks on Victorian of Oxford John held a short-service foremost architects of the mid- women including A Biographical commission as an education Victorian period, Edward Walters has Bibliography of Victorian and offcer in the Royal Air Force, later passed into relative obscurity in more Edwardian Women Travellers, frst joining the Civil Service Overseas recent times. published in 2006 and revised in as a district offcer in Northern 2010. The research he undertook for Rhodesia/Zambia. He joined the Walters arrived in Manchester in this and several later books will form Inter-University Council for Higher 1838, a year after Queen Victoria’s the basis of this talk. Education Overseas in 1967 which accession to the throne. Over was amalgamated with the British the next twenty-five years he Council in 1982 where he was was instrumental in transforming responsible for its higher education the face of street architecture activity in Africa, taking early in central Manchester. Many of retirement in 1993. Thereafter he his commissions were within a undertook a range of consultancies in ten-minute walk of his office in the management of higher education Cooper Street, and a significant and gender planning. He is an number still survive, the product of honorary professor of the University one moment in history which briefly of Mauritius, and has held honorary placed Manchester at the centre of posts at the Universities of London, the world stage. Manchester and Warwick. He is a former Vice President of the Royal In addition to an examination of African Society and the recipient of a these buildings, it is also intended gold medal award from the University to explore Walters’ relationship with of Khartoum in its jubilee year. Richard Cobden and members of the Anti-Corn Law League, culminating Recently John has published in the opening of the Free Trade several books on the North including Hall in Peter Street; and his long Ramsgreave in the Nineteenth and friendship with the engineer, W H Twentieth Centuries: Changing Life Barlow. in Rural Lancashire (2011) and Grimston, Kirkby Wharfe and North Neil Darlington was an architect in Milford in the Nineteenth Century: private practice for over 35 years. Continuity and Change in Rural Since his retirement he has spent Yorkshire (2014). His most recent time researching the architects publication is Nineteenth Century and architectural practices with Clitheroe: A Wife's Abduction and Manchester connections during the Electoral Malpractice (2015). His Victorian and Edwardian periods. collection of books by Victorian and Edwardian women travellers 7 pm for 7.15 pm numbers more than 350. Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS 1.45 pm to 4.30 pm Cost £5 Elizabeth Gaskell's House Top image: Marianne North Manchester M13 9LW (1830-1890) the botanist and Cost of talk £5 illustrator. Below: Anna Brassey (1839-87), traveller and writer 20 THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2017 Yorkshire village wheelwright over a in medical history, culminating in his long period, to investigate the effects frst publication The Victorian Doctors An illustrated talk of the coming of the railway on family of Victoria Square. life. Susan is retired and lives in York. ‘The Million Go Forth’: Early 7 pm for 7.15 pm Victorian Railway Excursions 7 pm for 7.15 pm Friends Meeting House, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS: With Susan Major, historian and 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS cost £10 independent researcher Cost £5

Susan Major's research fills an SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017 TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017 important gap in railway history, in A visit and talk looking at how the working classes An illustrated talk and fund raising used the new excursions in the event in conjunction with Ancoats Holy Trinity, Shaw, Oldham 1840s and 1850s. The North West Dispensary Trust of England, especially Manchester, With Roy Tricker, author of the recent Liverpool and Preston, features Providing medical care for the guide book on the church, prominently. Different forces in poor in the Nineteenth Century - each area, such as competition the role of Dispensaries. Holy Trinity, Shaw (Grade II) recently between railway companies and with celebrated its 500th anniversary. steamships, types of employment, With Dr Michael Whitfeld Rebuilt in 1871 to the designs and other factors such as surprisingly of Richard W. Drew (William the level of Catholicism in an area, During the Industrial Revolution and Butterfeld's nephew) the building were all to play a part in how far the growth of urban populations includes stained glass windows the working classes could enjoy any medical problem affecting a and mosaics by Heaton, Butler & their ‘cheap trips'. Manchester at worker was likely to result in poverty Bayne and Clayton & Bell. A major Whitsun 1846 became the scene for the whole family. Admission to restoration scheme in fve phases of a huge spectacle of mobility, a workhouse was feared, so the took place between 2005 and 2015 with an extraordinary ebb and flow dispensaries were created to give and now the splendidly restored of population, around 400,000 medical care at no cost to the patient church is conserved for future town-dwellers going out into the and their family, enabling them to generations to use and enjoy. countryside and rural folk coming into stay at home. the town. Often animal comparisons Following the talk there will be a were used to describe conditions Dispensaries were funded in much chance to view the church including a on cheap trips as sheep-pens and the same way as the voluntary display of ecclesiastical textiles from pig carriages, with excursionists hospitals, but were much cheaper the collection of Richard McEwan. sometimes ‘bleating’ at stops to to run and had the advantage of Examples from Holy Trinity and St complain. Lancashire handloom providing home visits if patients were Agnes, Liverpool will be on display. weaver Benjamin Brierley painted a too ill to visit the dispensary. Some vivid picture of his cheap railway trip patients abused the care provided Roy Tricker, a former teacher and from Ashton across the Pennines and Provident dispensaries were Churches Conservation Trust feld to Worksop in 1860, costing 1s 6d: created to encourage self-suffciency offcer, has been a crusading church- ‘and now what Bedlamitish sounds at the same time as Friendly crawler since the age of four. Roy meet my ear! Singing on every hand, Societies were also often providing never misses an opportunity to share shouting on every hand, swearing on dispensaries for their members. his passion that these wonderful every hand, whistling on every hand, Doctors had a major role in providing buildings, with their living history and the mad iron monster at the front care in the dispensaries - often and amazing craftsmanship, are not rearing away like nothing else’. providing care for no remuneration. only Holy Places, made sacred by centuries of prayer and care, BUT Susan Major completed a PhD with This talk will examine the develop- are also fascinating and fun! the Institute of Railway Studies & ment of dispensaries in Bristol as this Transport History at the University city provides good examples of the Roy lives in Ipswich and is a of York/National Railway Museum various dispensaries that were licensed Reader in the diocese in 2012. Using contemporary created. Finally, the speaker will of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich newspapers and handbills from the challenge the audience to consider and an Emeritus Lay Canon of St National Railway Museum and the what lessons the dispensaries can Edmundsbury Cathedral. He has British Library, she has focused on provide for the future of our NHS. compiled histories and guide books early railway excursion crowds. This for many churches in East Anglia forms the basis of her new book, Michael Whitfeld spent 30 years as a and beyond. His most recent book Early Victorian Railway Excursions: general practitioner in a large surgery Anglicans on High (2014) describes a the Million Go Forth. In her earlier in the centre of Bristol and for the selection of Suffolk churches and the research on working class leisure last ten years has taken an interest people involved in the Anglo-Catholic she analysed the diary of a West 21 WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2017 Henry & Medland Taylor's Hidden Gem: St Anne's Church and Rectory at Haughton, Denton.

Church archivist Jill Cronin will give a guided tour of this remarkable church (Grade I, 1881). The event will also include a rare opportunity to view the rectory interior, also designed by Henry & Medland Taylor, and to take a look at some of the associated archival material.

St Anne's has been described as the architects' best-known work, 'an extraordinary free arts and crafts gothic brick church forming the nucleus of a most important group of buildings'. The lychgate and rectory adjoining the church are also of architectural signifcance.

Detail of the stained glass at St Anne's, Denton, Manchester: photograph Fiona Moate The church, rectory and school were commissioned by Joseph Holy Trinity Shaw (Grade II, 1871) looking east, architect Richard Drew. Sidebothom a local philanthropic The foundation stone was laid on 24 May 1869 by Mrs Mary Cocker mill owner.The stained glass is by Heaton, Butler and Bayne Revival in the Church of England. It We are especially grateful to Holy and the mosaics by Salviati and is a lavishly illustrated book showing Trinity for inviting Victorian Society Oppenheimer. Sidebotham was a the huge number of churches members to this event. keen amateur botanist, which is infuenced by the fruits of the Oxford refected in the stained glass and the Movement and the Camden Society. Holy Trinity Church recurring use of the daisy, St Anne's Church Road fower. The 500th Anniversary celebrations Shaw, Oldham at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Shaw 0L2 7AT 6-45 for a 7 pm start, in 2015 included the publication St Anne's Drive, of a splendid history and guide Please assemble at the church by Haughton, researched and written by Roy 1.45 pm for a 2pm start. The visit will Denton M34 3EB Tricker. conclude with afternoon tea in the Cost £5 including tea and biscuits parish hall. This is a free event, including 201 bus from Piccadilly stops nearby refreshments, but donations for the Take the tram from Manchester to further upkeep of the church are Shaw & Crompton which is a ten A booking form will be mailed out welcome. minute walk from the church. nearer to the date. 22 WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 2017 SAVING A CENTURY: OLDHAM MANCHESTER GROUP A coach and walking tour It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to attend our talks and Richard Knill Freeman: Bolton events, so do bring along friends and Architect family. Some talks will be more than the usual £5 where the speaker has with David French & Michael travelled a long distance and may Shippobottom require overnight accommodation. As agreed at the AGM last year, This visit will complement David this will allow us to invite speakers French's article and draw on his from across the country who would extensive research on the Bolton- otherwise evade us. based architect (pages 5-8) and will take in Knill Freeman's buildings Disclaimer: You participate in events across Bolton le Moors. at your own risk and neither the Society nor its offcers or servants accept any Further details to follow liability of any kind whatsoever howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone A booking form will be mailed out 7 November to 3 December 2016 events if necessary. The Victorian Society nearer to the date. To celebrate the reopening of is a Registered Charity No 1081435 Oldham Town Hall, which the and a Company Limited by Guarantee Victorian Society helped to save by TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2017 Registered in England No 3940996 placing it on its Top Ten Buildings An illustrated talk at Risk, the Society’s photographic exhibition will be on show at Oldham Please note that buildings we visit may A disreputable pleasure: horse Library and Art Gallery, daily (except present a variety of hazards including racing in Victorian Lancashire Sundays) uneven surfaces, stairs, low head heights, low lighting and building and demolition with John Pinfold works. We would like all our events to be accessible to everyone, but there may be John Pinfold, a scholar who worked stairs or uneven surfaces which cannot at the L S E. and at Rhodes House be avoided, and periods of walking or in Oxford until his retirement, has standing. long been recognised as the leading expert on the famous Grand National Should you have any questions about Steeplechase at Aintree, a course your ability to participate in an event, once in the country and now please contact us. Some of our events are surrounded by Liverpool’s urban unsuitable for children. sprawl. The Victorian Society is the champion for Using contemporary accounts and Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England images this talk will draw on John's and Wales, comprehensive research on racing and race courses and will explore The Victorian Society is a Registered Charity issues such as social attitudes, No 1081435 and a Company Limited by crowd behaviour, the position of Guarantee Registered in England No 394099 women and children at the races and www.victorian-society.org.uk the associated architecture of the race course. Remember to let us know if you change your email John Pinfold's latest book Aintree: address. The History of the Racecourse (Surbiton: Medina Publishing, 2016, Please consider receiving the £26.95. ISBN 978-1909339712) newsletter by email as this explores untapped archives and saves printing and postage sources. costs. 7 pm for 7.15 pm Friends Meeting House, Manchester Newsletter and 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS: Events Card is compiled by: cost £5 [email protected] 23 Thanks to Michael Hall and the Victorian Society for permission to publish 'The Manchester Group 1966-2016'

24 Manchester Victorian Society: Golden Jubilee Christmas Lunch BOOKING FORM

SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 2016 A Coach Excursion to Lytham St Anne's and Lytham Hall

PLEASE MAKE BOOKINGS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

The Manchester Group Christmas celebration will take place on the Lancashire coast, so beloved by Victorians from across the county.

We shall assemble at Store Street, under Manchester Piccadilly Train Station at 8.45 am for departure by 9 am. Our frst stop at 10.30 am will be the Fairhaven United Reformed Church (1907-12 by Briggs, Wolstenholme and Thornley), known as the White Church, where there will be tea and biscuits and short talks. We shall make the short coach ride from Fairhaven to St Anne's on Sea with a commentary on architectural highlights. Weather permitting there will be an opportunity to examine Glasgow manufactured cast iron seaside furniture (Saracen Foundry) before heading to the end of the pier (1885 by A Dowson) for mulled wine and mince pies in the cast iron shelter. Back on the coach, we shall pass through the town centre laid out by Maxwell and Tuke and on to St Anne's Church (1872-3, Paley and Austin and 1885-6 R Knill Freeman). After arrival at Lytham Hall there will be an explanation of the ongoing restoration of the Victorian gardens by Randall Thorp Landscape Architects. Lunch will be served at 2.00pm.

We aim to be back in Manchester by 5.30 pm

Cost: £35 per person: including morning refreshments, three course Christmas lunch, tour of Lytham and St Annes and return coach travel from Manchester.

Excluding drinks: a bottle bar will be available at Lytham Hall.

It helps us enormously if you book as early as possible. Remember to complete your menu choices on page 26

First name...... Surname......

Address......

...... Postcode...... telephone numbers*...... *mobile number preferable...... email address*...... This will be used for confrmation of booking and receipt of payment.

If you do not have an email address please send a stamped self-addressed envelope with your booking form. please switch on your mobile and bring with you to the event

Names of others attending

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname......

Confrmation and travel arrangements will be sent in good time.

Enclose your completed form, menu choices, and a cheque for £35.00 per person made payable to: The Victorian Society to: Mark Watson, 18 Thomas Telford Basin, Manchester M1 2NH. Tel 07831 267642

Disclaimer: You participate in Victorian Society events at your own risk and neither the Society nor its offcers or servants accept any liability of any kind whatsoever, howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary.

25 Victorian Society Manchester Group Christmas Lunch 10 December 2016

MENU CHOICES Please return one separate form for each attendee

Forename…………………………………….Surname………………………………………......

STARTER: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Blue cheese and walnut salad on a bed of mixed leaves ( ) or Home made soup and bread roll ( )

MAIN COURSE: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Traditional roast turkey dinner( ) or Fillet of salmon in a chilli and lime dressing ( ) or Vegetable tart (V) ( )

All the above with seasonal vegetables

DESSERT: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Traditional Christmas pudding served with rum sauce ( ) or Fruits of the forest cheesecake ( ) Followed by coffee and mince pies

A bottle bar will be available – not included in the price of the Lunch Please return your menu choices with your booking form and your cheque made payable to ‘The Victorian Society’.

Forename…………………………………….Surname………………………………………......

STARTER: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Blue cheese and walnut salad on a bed of mixed leaves ( ) or Home made soup and bread roll ( )

MAIN COURSE: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Traditional roast turkey dinner( ) or Fillet of salmon in a chilli and lime dressing ( ) or Vegetable tart (V) ( )

All the above with seasonal vegetables

DESSERT: (choose one and please tick your choice)

Traditional Christmas pudding served with rum sauce ( ) or Fruits of the forest cheesecake ( ) Followed by coffee and mince pies

A bottle bar will be available – not included in the price of the Lunch. Please return your menu choices with your booking form and your cheque made payable to ‘The Victorian Society

26 Manchester Group of the Victorian Society

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND TALK Saturday 28 January 2017

1.45 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Elizabeth Gaskell's House, 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester M13 9LW

AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of last meeting 3. Matters arising 4. Membership Secretary’s report 5. Conservation report. 6. Treasurer’s report. 7. Chairman’s report. 8. Election of Offcers and Committee. 9. AOB

All members are entitled to attend the AGM free of charge The cost of refreshments and illustrated talk is £5.

NOMINATION FORM FOR A COMMITTEE MEMBER

Name of nominee: ......

Address: ......

......

Tel...... Email......

Nominee’s signature of acceptance...... date...... Please give reasons for nominating this person to the Manchester Group Committee

......

......

Your contact details:

Name......

Address ......

......

Tel...... Email......

Return to:

The Chairman Victorian Society, Manchester Group 8, Masefeld Avenue Prestwich Manchester M25 9QW or bring along to the AGM.

27