Schools for Denton Chapelry

The new schools for Denton chapelry are to be built from designs by Mr Bird, architect, of Manchester, who will also superintend their erection. They are intended to meet the requirements of the most recent system of education, recommended by the committee of council on education, whose approval of the design has been obtained. There will be two school-rooms, 65 feet by 18 feet, with a classroom attached to each, 20 feet by 16 feet, and a small room for hats and coats, etc at each entrance. The schools will accommodate about 300 children, and they are so arranged that they can be superintended by one master, or be conducted separately. The most approved mode of warming and ventilating is to be adopted. Adjoining the schools is a very neat-looking and comfortable residence for the teachers, consisting of three rooms on each floor with other conveniences. There are to be two spacious playgrounds for the scholars, which, with the building, will occupy half an acre of land which has been given, together with a large donation, by Mr Jacob Fletcher Fletcher. The style of architecture to be adopted is that which prevailed in England in the fifteenth century, and which is known as the Tudor style. The school buildings are to be made as perfect as possible in every department; and for their cost, which will probably amount to £1,600 or £1,700, Mr Greswell has made himself solely responsible. [Manchester Guardian 15 October 1853 page 8].

Reference           Manchester Guardian 15 October 1853 page 8- foundation stone

Note: W E Gladstone attended ceremony and gave an address