Literary and Philosophical Institution, Winckley Square and Cross Street, Preston

TO BUILDERS - Persons desirous of Tendering for the several departments of work comprised in that portion of the proposed Building in Cross Street attached to the Grammar School, consisting of a Collegiate Hall and Libraries are informed that detailed drawings and specifications will be ready for inspection at my Office on the morning of the 10th instant. Estimates to be sent in sealed, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee, on or before the 20th instant. The Committee do not pledge themselves to accept the lowest tender. JOHN WELCH, architect, 43 Fishergate, Preston. [Preston Guardian - Saturday 6 April 1844 page 1]

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTION - On Wednesday last the foundation stone of the new building now in course of erection for the above. named institution was laid by the Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough, Mr. John Addison, with the Masonic ceremony. …..

The style of the architecture of the edifice is what may be termed Tudor the details being principally selected from public and private edifices, erected during the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth, The windows of the Collegiate Hall are similar to those used at Merton College, Oxford, The great window of Shepherd Library is a transcript of that applied in the gable of the Free School at Coventry, The archway between the two turrets in the west elevation, as well as the gallery, has been copied from West Stowe Hall, in Suffolk, as far as the general idea is concerned, but not as to detail. In fact, there is not a moulding applied throughout the entire range of building, for which authority cannot be cited. The construction of the various roofs has also been particularly attended to, applying those beautiful examples of carpentry consigned to us by our ancestors. The principle of construction in the roof of the Museum, for instance, may be found in what is called the Guard Room of Lambeth Palace. The stone principals of the roof of the Lecture Room or Theatre, are suggested by those used over the Great Hall of Conway Castle, though more elaborate and refined in detail  - the spandrels being pierced by quatre-foil and trefoil panels- the effect of which, when executed, will be beautiful and unique, The effect of the News Room and Billiard Rooms, when complete, will surpass that of anything yet executed in the town. It is intended to insert plate glass in all the front windows, so that the beautiful tracery will shew to every advantage, The oriel window of the front Billiard Room is taken from a fine example at Oxford., The large News Room is intersected in the centre by a range of piers and arches of polished stone having elaborate caps and bases. 

 The Collegiate Hall is *4 feet by 20 and 25 feet high, Shepherd Library 36 feet by 20i feet in two floors.  The Museum 40 feet by 24 feet and 30 feet high. The Theatre 41 feet by 30 feet with galleries. Billiard Rooms 30 feet by 21 feet and 21 feet high. News Room 43.6 feet by 30 feet and 15 feet high. The general cost of the whole range of buildings, which will be alike ornamental to our town, and illustrative of the research and taste of the architect, Mr. Welch, has been estimated at £5,000 and upwards. 

Director of Ceremonies, Mr J. Latham. 
Architect, Mr. Welch. Contractors: Mr. Dewhurst, Mason; Mr. Gardner, Joiner; 
Mr Milner, Glazier and Painter; Mr. Bamber, Flagger and Slater.
[Preston Guardian - Saturday 10 August 1844 page 2]

The whole of this block of buildings was the property of shareholders, from whom, in 1860, the adjoining Grammar School was purchased by the Corporation for £1,527; and the remainder of the pile in 1868 for £1,500. The Literary and Philosophical Institution was the home of the Dr Shepherd Library from 1868-1895.

Reference    Preston Guardian - Saturday 6 April 1844 page 1 - contracts
Reference    Preston Guardian - Saturday 10 August 1844 page 2 – foundation stone