Oldham Lyceum Union Street and Clegg Street Oldham

A dignified long front, Italianate, with arched upper windows. by Nathan Pennington. (Pevsner Pg 358)

 The Lyceum had been established in 1839.  In 1848 James Platt became its President and determined that it needed a building of its own. Money was raised through a well-publicised exhibition and a banquet held on the occasion of the stone laying ceremony in June 1855. The building, opened in September 1856, finally cost of £6,500 and contained a library, news room, reading room, billiards room and various classrooms. The Trust Deed provided that: “the building shall be forever devoted to the moral and intellectual culture of the inhabitants of Oldham.” Seven bays to Clegg Street with a projecting central bay incorporating the main entrance. As technical studies increased a “Science and Art” school evolved, occupying more and more of the building. In 1865 a single storey extension in the Gothic style was added to provide additional classrooms and gymnasium. Costing £2,000, the extension was built and furnished entirely at the expense of John Platt. However, the extension soon became inadequate and in 1881 it was demolished to make way for a two-storey extension, built in a classical style, more in keeping with the original. The cost of £9,000 was met by Samuel Platt and his brothers. In 1893 Oldham Corporation acquired the School of Science & Art at a cost of £8,750. (Ref Brian R Law: Oldham, Brave Oldham. Page 182-185)

Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 February 1855 page 10 – Annual Meeting
Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 March 1855 Page 11 -Contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 April 1855 page 7
Reference    Manchester Guardian 27 June 1855 page 6 – foundation
Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 August 1856 page 4
Reference    Manchester Guardian 23 September 1856 page 3 – extensive report of opening
Reference    Builder 10 May 1856 page 265
Reference    Builder 30 August 1856 page 470
Reference    Builder 4 October 1856 page 547 – opening

Reference    Brian R Law: Oldham, Brave Oldham. Page 182-185