School Church of SS. Aidan and Oswald Dryclough near Royton

OPENING OF A ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHURCH. On Sunday a new Roman Catholic school church, dedicated to SS. Aidan and Oswald, was opened at Dryclough, near Royton. The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir J. P. P. Radcliffe, Bart., of Rudding Park, Yorkshire, in November last year, in the presence of the Right Rev. Dr. Vaughan (the Bishop of Salford) and other eminent members of the Roman Catholic clergy. The object of the undertaking has been to supply a long-felt want of the Catholics of Royton to possess edifice worthy of the district. It is at present intended that the building shall serve the double purpose of a school and a church for divine service, but erection of separate church is contemplated. The new structure one of the finest school buildings in the district, and is complete and perfect for both purposes. The funds necessary for the work have been obtained through the energy of the rector and through the munificence of Sir Percy Radcliffe, who not only gave the land for the site, but has been the principal benefactor of the building. The main room measures 66 feet by 30 feet, and is approached by porch containing the stairs to the gallery, A separate chancel, 18 feet 6in. by 15 feet, opens from the main room by means of large doors, 19 feet by 6 feet 9in. each; and infants' room, 30 feet by 22 feet, having gallery accommodation for 60 children, attached to the main building. The sacristy and classroom measure 18 feet by 13 feet, and the boys' vestry 11 feet, by 11 feet. The accommodation for school work is for 350 children, infants included, and for Divine service for about 500 worshippers. The rooms are all lofty, and have stained and varnished open-timbered roofing throughout; and, to enhance the comfort of the rooms, the roofs are not only boarded but covered with felting under the slates. The character adopted by the architect is simple and unpretentious, although vigorous in conception. The building may fairly be described as free treatment of Gothic. The windows are glazed with quarry lead lights, with coloured margins, and have pleasing effect. The altar is in carved oak, from a design supplied by Mr. Mitchell, and has been executed and fixed by the eminent Dutch firm of Messrs. J. A. Orr, of Roermond, Dutch Limburg. The building works were entrusted to the following local firms, viz.:—Brickwork, Mr Thomas Whittaker; masonry, Messrs J. Hirst and Sons and Mr P. Walsh; joinery, Messrs. Hilton and Sons; plumbing, painting, and plastering, Mr M. J. Hearne; slating, Mr J. Bamford; and benching, Messrs. S. Ashton and Sons. The whole has been carried out from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr. Thomas Mitchell, architect, of Oldham. The cost will amount about £2,200. [Manchester Courier 30 November 1880 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Courier 30 November 1880 page 6
Reference    British Architect 3 December 1880 Page 245
Reference    Building News 3 December 1880 p643