Building Name

Presbyterian Schools in connection with Bank Street Unitarian Chapel Bury

Date
1865 - 1866
District/Town
Bury
County/Country
GMCA, England
Work
New build

PRESBYTERIAN NEW SCHOOLS. - The Unitarians of Bury have just added to the fine building for public worship which they already possess, a noble structure intended to be devoted to the purpose of Day and Sunday Schools. It is admitted to be the best structure of the kind in this country, and it is certainly a great addition and example to school architecture Bury. The building is of the geometrical style, introducing much that is characteristic of the early French Gothic in the carving and other decorative portions. On the ground floor is a residence for the chapel-keeper; schoolroom 65 feet by 36 feet, and 15 feet in height; two class rooms, each 15 feet by 15 feet, and 15 feet high; a congregational room 27 feet by 19 feet, and 15 feet in height; a vestry 16 feet by 9 feet, and 15 feet high; a water-closet, lavatory, etc. The first floor is reached by a commodious stone staircase, and comprises a schoolroom 80 feet by 35 feet, and 27 feet in height; and two class rooms, each 19 feet by 13 feet, with water closet, etc., provided. The building, which is stone, is surmounted by a tower and spire yards in height, which contains some very excellent carving, and adds much to the appearance of the building. The architects have been Messrs. Blackwell, Son, and Booth, Union Chambers, Bury.

The following have been the contractors for the departments named: building, excavating, brickwork, and masonry, Mr. John Hall, Bury ; carpenter and joiners' work, Mrs. Ann Birtwistle, Bury; slating, Mr. John Smith, Bury; plumbing, glazing, and gas fitting, Mr. Edmund Thorp, Bury; plastering and painting, Mr. Jacob Lomax, Bury; carving, Mr. Joseph Bonehill, Manchester; constructive ironwork, Messrs Crompton, Halstead, and Grundy, Bury; ornamental ironwork, Mr. T. Brown, Birmingham, and Messrs. Hibbert and Co., Manchester. The ornamental bricks for the large room have been given Messrs. John Grundy, Sons, and Company, Wolstenholme Hall. The warming of the large schoolrooms and two of the class rooms has been executed by Messrs. George Haden and Sons, of Trowbridge, on the warm air principle. Mr James Catterall has acted as clerk of the works.

Carving        Joseph Bonehill of Manchester

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 4 March 1865 (Contracts)
Reference    Bury Times 4 March 1865 page 2 – contracts
Reference    Bury Times 7 July 1866 page 3 – opening