New Building with patent roof, Tasle Street, Manchester

PATENT ROOF — We have had an opportunity of seeing a roof erected over a new building in Tasle Street, which is upon Witty and Co.'s patent principle, that was announced in the Staffordshire papers some time past. It is astonishing to see the simple plan and its power in supporting the lead roof. The principle is founded upon correct mechanical science. We understand the British Gas Company, at Hanley, have a beam upon the same plan over their retort house, of 50 ft. span, supporting an iron roof of 25 tons. This beam is made of sheet iron, and is as simple as the above-named roof in its appearance. The uses of complicated timber work in floors, roofs, and beams, upon the common system of carpentry, will, no doubt, be ultimately superseded by this principle, as it combines, in so rare a manner, simplicity and lightness with strength and economy. We believe this roof has been executed under the superintendence of Mr Arthur Woolley, architect, of Princess Street. (Manchester Times, May 5 1838). [John Claudius Loudon, The Architectural Magazine, Volume 5, page 281]