Cotton Exchange Town Hall Square Blackburn

In 1860, a Company was formed to provide the necessary capital for building an Exchange. Plans for the proposed structure were displayed in competition in 1862, and the design of Mr. Brakspear, a Manchester architect, was selected for adoption. The comer‑stone of the Exchange was laid on March l0th, 1863 (the marriage‑day of the Prince of Wales), and the edifice was opened in April 1865. It was designed to consist of two separate blocks, one fronting the Town Hall and the other in King William‑street, connected by a tower at the angle of the frontage; but one wing only has yet been erected. The architecture is Gothic of the fourteenth century. The completed portion comprises a large hall, with ante‑rooms; a range of offices on the basement floor; and two storeys of an octagonal tower, forming the principal entrance, having two external doorways consisting of pointed arches, recessed and gabled, with tracery heads, approached by flights of steps.  [W. A. (William Alexander) Abram. Parish of Blackburn, county of Lancaster. A history of Blackburn, town and parish.]

BLACKBURN - For the works necessary to the erection of the Exchange Buildings, Blackburn, Lancashire. Working, drawings, etc, at the offices of the architect, Mr. Brakspear, 14, Ridgefleld, Manchester. Sealed tenders, to F C Ainsworth, Esq, Town Hall buildings, Blackburn, on April 16. Bills of quantities will be furnished to contractors on depositing two guineas. [Building News 5 April 1861 Page 297]

BLACKBURN - For the superstructure of the Exchange Buildings, Blackburn. Working drawings, etc, at the office of the architect, W. H. Brakspear, Esq., 14, Ridgefield, Manchester, until the 5th August, and afterwards at the Company's offices, in Blackburn. Bills of quantities from the architect. Sealed tenders (endorsed), to T. Crooks Ainsworth,  Esq., secretary, Town hall‑buildings, Blackburn, by August 19. [Building News 2 August 1861 Page 648]

Reference    W. A. (William Alexander) Abram. Parish of Blackburn, county of Lancaster. A history of Blackburn, town and parish.
Reference    Building News 5 April 1861 Page 297
Reference    Building News 2 August 1861 Page 648 - contracts
Reference    Hyde Lancashire North page 115