Simpson Memorial Schools Moston (now Moston District Library)

The memorial buildings were named in memory of a local industrialist, William Simpson, the money being donated by his daughter, Mrs Alice Fay of Dunwood House Fallowfield, for educational purposes. The first stone was laid by Dr Ward of Owens College and the building was formally opened on 5 May 1888 by Professor Boyd Dawkins. Contractors R. Neild & Sons. The building was run by volunteers until it was taken over by Manchester Library Service in 1898. Sankey had apparently taken two terms absence from Cambridge to design the building. There was to be a lecture room capable of holding 500 people, a gymnasium, a reference library and reading room and some smaller classrooms.

THE SIMPSON MEMORIAL AT MOSTON - The trustees and committee who have in their hands the administration of the bequest of the late Mrs. Fay announce that the foundation stone of the Simpson Memorial at Moston will be laid on 14 August. The late Mrs. Fay left about £20,000 for the benefit of Moston where her girlhood was passed. Upwards of £2,000 has been left in the hands of the trustees for scholarships, available for boys and girls, open to children of residents of Moston and to be held at Owens College, Girton College, or elsewhere. The most important part, however, of the educational scheme which the committee have to carry out is the establishment of the building in Moston. This will include a reading room and library, a lecture room, gymnasium, hall for concerts and other gatherings, and two rooms tor technical education, one to be for the use oi girls, and the other for boys. The managers of this establishment contemplate in addition the provision of open-air recreation in the summer mouths. The foundation stone will be laid by Dr. Ward, vice-chancellor of the Victoria University. [Manchester Evening News Monday 2 August 1886 page 2]

THE SIMPSON MEMORIAL MOSTON – The foundation stone of the Simpson Memorial building at Moston was laid on Saturday afternoon by Dr A W Ward, Vice Chancellor of the Victoria University. [Manchester Guardian 16 August  1886 page 7]

The building is from the designs of Mr Sankey of Moston, and is of considerable beauty. As a piece of quiet unpretentious architecture it seems to be one of the most successful in the district of Manchester. It is of red brick with terra cotta mouldings, and is enriched by judicious ornament. The open wall in front is an original treatment of such things and is very striking. The interior is also a great success, owing to the fact that the Committee, having full confidence in their architect, were determined to have everything of the best. The woodwork is all of oak, including the panelling of the large room, and all the doors and mouldings. The library and reading room is of charming design. There is a well-equipped gymnasium, a small lecture room, and several classrooms, as well as a large hall, which will hold about 500 people. It is suggested to have tennis courts and other arrangements for outdoor sports, and the grounds round the building will be mainly occupied by a botanic garden. During the spring months a few classes will be held for drawing, cookery, gymnastics, etc. For the winter the Committee hope to provide University extension lectures and classes, science and art classes in connection with South Kensington, reading parties and other educational and recreative advantages. There will also be some scholarships for Moston children. [Manchester Guardian 4 May 1888 page 8].

Reference    Manchester Guardian 21 May 1886 page 5
Reference    Manchester Evening News Monday 2 August 1886 page 2
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 August 1886 page 7 - foundation
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 August 1886 page 75 -editorial article
Reference    Manchester Guardian 4 May 1888 page 8 - opening
Reference    Brian Seale. The Moston Story 
Found        14? August 1886 by Professor A W Ward, vice chancellor, Victoria University of Manchester