Barton-on-Irwell Conservative Club, Monton Road, Eccles

NEW CONSERVATIVE CLUB AT ECCLES – Two corner stones of a new Conservative Club at Eccles were laid on Saturday afternoon by the Hon Algernon Egerton and Mr W S Boddington. A Conservative Club was established in Eccles some nine years or ten ago, and since 1872 has been located in premises in Liverpool Road formerly known as the Protestant Hall. The number of members, about 320, having become too large to be conveniently accommodated in its present clubhouse, it was some time ago decided to erect a new club in Monton Road, opposite St Andrew’s Church. The new premises are to be three storeys high. The lower storey is on a level with the bowling green, which was opened in May last in connection with the club, and has been found a valuable addition to the means of recreation at the command of the members. The basement will contain a storeroom and a lavatory for the use of the bowlers, a cooking kitchen, larder, bar, heating chamber and good cellarage. On the ground floor there is to be a billiard room capable of holding three tables, a card room, reading room and a serving bar, the latter being conveniently placed between the billiard room and the hall. On the first floor there is to be a lecture hall equal in size to the billiard room; also committee, board, and retiring rooms. There will be attached to the building a residence for the steward. The new club is to be erected in the domestic Gothic style, of about the fifteenth century. It will have an attractive appearance, and will contain accommodation equal to the requirements of a large number of members. The cost is put down at about £2,500, and it is expected that the new premises will be completed by the end of August. Mr H Lord, of John Dalton Street, in this city is the architect; and Mr William Brown, of Salford and Eccles, the builder. [Manchester Guardian 14 March 1881]

NOTES - The first meeting had been held on Friday 12 September 1879 for the purpose of forming a limited liability company with a view to erecting a new club. Henry Boddington (I) of Silverdale had provided much of the land – originally intended for St Andrew’s Church which was built on the opposite side of the road – at a reduced cost. Henry Boddington (I) being too unwell to attend, one of his sons, W S Boddington, had been requested to perform the ceremony.

Reference           Manchester Guardian 14 March 1881 page 7