Pendleton Mechanics’ Institution Gardner Street Pendleton

The new Mechanics, Institution, in Gardner Street, Pendleton was inaugurated last evening. The institution is throughout plainly but most substantially and neatly finished. There is a large lecture hall, with a platform, well lighted and ventilated, and excellently adapted for music, as was proved last evening; a library and news room; airy classrooms; and every accommodation for such an increase in members as even the most ardent supporters could hope to see for many years. The foundation stone was laid on Saturday 30 August (1856). … The institution was not quite finished; and a gymnasium and other things were to be supplied. The building would cost about £1,200 and the fittings from £200 to £300. [Manchester Guardian 28 April 1857 page 3]

Reference           Manchester Guardian 28 April 1857 page 3 – inauguration