Town Hall. Market Place Ashton-under-Lyne

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE - A Town-hall is in course of erection here under the direction of Messrs Young and Westall, architects of Manchester. The building, which is to be faced entirely with stone is in the Roman style of architecture; and consists of front of an attached Corinthian colonnade in antis, surmounted by a balustrade of the same order which forms a parapet in the centre of the main facade and is crowned by a group of sculpture. The wings consist of a single inter-pilaster, and terminate above with a plain parapet. The order itself, which is divided into first and second floor and is continued uninterruptedly round the edifice, is elevated upon a lofty stylobate. Its proportions are chiefly taken from the Pantheon at Rome. The interior will contain a large room 83 feet by 40 feet and 28 feet high. It also comprises accommodation for the town=s authorities, committees etc. a constable's residence, fireman's house and six lock-ups in the basement, wich is principally fireproof. The works, as contracted for, amount to about £6,000. [The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, Volume 3 July 1840 page 255]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 29 February 1840 page 1- contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 7 March 1840 page 1- contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 March 1840 page 1- contracts
Reference    The Civil Engineer and Architects Journal, Volume 3 July 1840  page 255

Note: The Listing Notice gives the architects as Young and Lee. Contemporary references state Young and Westall