Elementary Schools Ashton-on-Mersey

The ornamental stone in connection with the building of the township elementary schools was laid by W C Brooks MP. Accommodation for 140 boys, 100 girls and 60 infants is provided, with master’s house adjoining. [Manchester Guardian 26 March 1874 page 8]

NEW SCHOOLS. —After the service following the second consecration, the bishop and clergy proceeded to the new schools, where Mr W. Cunliffe Brooks, M.P., the lord of the manor, laid an ornamental stone, the finishing touch to the outward part of the structure. These schools have been built for the accommodation of 140 boys, 100 girls, and 60 infants, or 300 children. The boys' school is 57 feet 3 inches by 20 feet; the girls' school is 42 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 6 inches; the infants' school is 26 feet 4 inches by 18 feet; the clear height in each school being 15 feet 6 inches. Class-rooms are attached to the boys' and girls' schools. A master's house adjoins, containing a committee-room, sitting-room, with kitchen, usual offices, and four bedrooms. The style of the buildings is 14^th century Gothic; they are built in brick, faced with white headers, having Runcorn stone quoins and dressings to windows, doors, and openings; the upper portion of the walls, under the eaves, is finished in half-timber work, filled in with brick. The master's house is connected with the schools by the principal entrance and corridor. Over the entrance archway was the place for the finished stone, on which was inscribed: "This stone was laid on the 25th March, 1874, by William Cunliffe Brooks, Esq, M.P., Lord of the Manor." Arrangements are made for efficiently heating and ventilating the school-rooms, and spacious playgrounds are provided in the rear of the building. The buildings have been erected by Mr Cardwell, of Altrincham. Mr W. H. Brakspear, of Manchester, was the architect. [British Architect 3 April 1874 page 219-220]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 26 March 1874 page 8
Reference    British Architect 3 April 1874 page 219-220