New Workhouse. Frog Lane Wigan

On Tuesday before last Mr Mangnall, the architect of the new workhouse, visited Wigan and, with Mr Fairclough, the contractor, proceeded to mark out the ground (the purchase of which is now completed) for the erection of the building. Considerable progress has already been made with the excavations and it is expected that within the course of a few weeks the foundations will be got in. [Builder 15 March 1856 page 146]

THE NEW WORKHOUSE - The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new workhouse for the Wigan union was performed in the presence of a large concourse of spectators on Wednesday. ..... The mayor presented to Mr Ingham, chairman of the board of Guardians, a silver trowel which had been provided for the occasion by the architects. On the trowel was beautifully engraven Mr Ingham’s arms, and the following inscription – “Presented to Joseph Ingham Esq on the occasion of his laying the corner stone of the new workhouse of the Wigan union, April 2 1856, by the architects Henry Travis and William Mangnall.” Mr Ingham then laid the stone in the usual manner; after which the guardians retired to the Royal Hotel, where a cold collation was provided. [Manchester Guardian 4 April 1856 page 4]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 January 1855 page 7
Reference    Manchester Guardian 10 January 1855 page 7
Reference    Manchester Guardian 17 January 1855 page 7 - appointment of Travis and Mangnall
Reference    Manchester Guardian 8 December 1855 Page 6 and 15 December Page 7 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 22 December 1855 page 8 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 4 April 1856 page 4- foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 February 1856 page 4 - meeting of board of guardians
Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 March 1856 page 4- fees for quantities
Reference    Builder 15 March 1856 page 146 - setting out
Reference    Builder 5 April 1856 page 186 - dispute over fees for taking off quantities resolved.