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Saturday 11 April 2009

Stalybridge Saturday: Town Hall


Today's photo is of Stalybridge Town Hall - or, at least, what's left of it!

The building, which dates from 1831, was demolished after it was found to require major repairs, but the portico surrounding the main entrance was left standing, looking like some sort of folly or monument.

There are two blue plaques on the structure. One commemorates the First General Strike or "Plug Riot" of 1842, which began in this area. The other remembers Joseph Rayner Stephens, a 19th Century philanthropist who lived in Stalybridge and campaigned against the Poor Law and for factory reforms.

See Google Aerial View of this location.
See LiveSearch Birds Eye View of this location.

4 comments:

  1. That seems kind of silly to leave such a thing standing; on the other hand, I kind of like it. And it does serve as a means to commemorate important events...

    I guess it can stay!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so glad that some part of the original historic building has been kept. Like this it does look like a folly until you read your post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My 1st job on leaving school was at Stalybridge Town Hall,1962-1968. Many happy memories. Although austere, this entrance led under the main building and was rarely used. Public and staff access was on the front, opposite the river. Lots more pictures of the original impressive old building can be found on Tameside Archives website. So tragic to see its demolition, but nice to see it was respected enough to retain this monument.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Being born and bred in Stalybridge,I too was very sad when the town hall was demolished in 1989.The town lost yet another of its grand focal points.At the top end of the building was an impressive tall clock tower, shame that wasn't also left standing as a feature.

    ReplyDelete

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