Hello I would like more information regarding the building of the war memorial gardens, who donated the land, who designed it, who paid for it eyc
drm
I’m sorry. I’ve asked around but nobody has heard of this. David
Susan Allonby
Do you know anything about the story behind the “Maid of Middleton” grave?
Many thanks
drm
Hi Alan,
I have passed your email onto someone who may know.
Best of luck,
David
Site admin
AlanR
Hi, I am trying to find the location of an old beer house that was somewhere in the Slattocks area, called the Jolly Waggoner. It was definitely open for business during the mid 19th century and by all accounts it wasn’t to far away from the old Hopwood Arms, but I have had no luck finding out just where it was. Hope you can help me. Thanks.
James Davis
Hello My name is James Davis and I am trying to get information about my great grandmother Mary Davies( born 1849 in Manchester, christened 19 August 1849 in Manchester Cathedral) or to be more accurate my great grandfather named Bruff.
The information I have is this : My great grandmother and my great grandfather had a son John Davis born in Middleton in 1867. At that time they were living at
6 Park street in Tonge Middleton. In 1891 John Davis was living with his mother Mary Davies at 12 Park street Tonge in Middleton.
A quote from the report I have “ It is quite likely that John was born legitimate and his father reputed to be a guy called Bruff from Manchester”unquote.
Why the ‘e’ was dropped in the name Davies is not clear, perhaps an error in the documentation.
As you can see my genealogy ends on my father’s side at the name Bruff and as you can imagine I am very curious where the name Bruff leads to.
My questions to you are: Do you know if the name Bruff is a Middleton name do you think it is a Manchester name? Was Tonge an area of Middleton?
I would be very grateful of any help you could give me.
Kind regards and many thanks,
James Davis
drm
I’ve forwarded your message to someone who might be able to help. Admin.
Carmel Boycott
Hi,
I am the history coordinator at Saint Mary’s School, Langley. I am currently trying to create some end of topic end points for our Year 4 children who will be studying a topic called: “Can you tell the story of the Saxons in Middleton?” I was wondering if there was anyone I could talk to gain ideas for the children’s learning?
Many thanks,
Carmel Boycott
Middletonian
Hi Oliver, I atually live on the site where Parkfield house was (Sefton Road) and am very interested in seeing the photos. can You share them?
drm
Hi Kirsten, Great to hear from you. I’ve forwarded your message to Geoff Wellens, one of Middleton’s local historians. I hope he can help you out!
Best wishes.
David Morris
Kirsten Lansberry
Hello from the United States! I am researching my family tree and it seems my great-grandmother was Catherine “Kitty” Wellens of St. Helens, Lancashire, daughter of James Wellens of Middleton. Can anyone help me confirm this? Any information about the Wellens family would be much appreciated. I particularly would like to know if they ever visited Halifax. Thank you!
drm
Dear Alison,
Nice to hear from you. The story of the Independent Labour Club is that it belonged to Rochdale Council and was used as a family and children centre. In 2011/12, it was restored to its former glory by the Council as part of its commitment to the Edgar Wood buildings which it owns. However, this went awry when the Council was forced to sell it owing to the government’s austerity cutbacks. In new ownership, it was left vacant and attacked by vandals. We were worried that we might lose it. Planning permission and listed building consent were then put in for conversion to flats. This meant the loss of the historic interior but was effectively the only option to save the building. The conversion was done but unauthorised upvc windows and other alterations held up its completion. However, it is now finished and I believe occupied. The building is the only listed ILP club in the country.
The story of Durnford Street School is similar in that, following the demolition of the main school in 2002, the remaining listed Infant School was restored by Rochdale Council and used as an adult education centre. However, it too had to be sold around 2013 owing to austerity and it likewise became vandalised in new ownership. The problems, however, were much worse at the school and it is now in a dreadful state, see this video here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsUCuUfYqKA
If you would like any photos of these buildings just email me on edgarwoodsociety@gmail.com
Did you know that we now have a separate website? See https://edgarwoodsociety.org/
We would love to have you onboard.
Best wishes,
David
Mrs Alison Williams
Hi I have been interested in Edgar Wood’s work when I discovered he designed the Independent Labour Club on Milton Street and as i teach art & design.
Has any work been done on the Club to make sure its retained as orgional as possible? I know it was sold and now seems to be flats the square space at the back which became the playground when it was a nursery was a bowling green originally.
I also noticed that you havent listed Durnford Street School in picture form on the web site.I know Henry Sellers and Wood designed that as they did for Elm Street.
I live in Oxford so cant get to meetings but would be interested in helping maintain your work . on Wood.
Mrs Alison Williams
I have researched my family name Taylor and to some extent early Rennie 20th century family as they were related and Kenyons.
Most of my family and myself attended Morton Street Methodist Chapel.
The Taylors started out living on Dane Street by the Mill & on Grimshaw lane and lived at various addresses around Middleton. My Grandad Walter Taylor ran a chip shop on Morton Street in the 1920’s or 30’s for a while and also had a workshop in Spring Vale
He was friends with the Mc Indoe family and many of my family attended the Independent Labour Club (ILP)on Milton Street.
Any information on Morton Street and the ILP in Middleton would be excellent. I did a bit of a history of the latter as Milton Street Club was designed by Edgar Wood and my background is art & design.
I lived in Alkrington for half my life but now live in Oxford so cant attend meetings
Jen
I also would like to know what the update is with Tonge Hall? Do we know what the plans are with this building? Thank you
drm
Dear Brian,
Sorry about the late reply. Yes please! That would be wonderful. Please could you send it to edgarwoodsociety@gmail.com ?
We haven’t studied this particular building in great detail so the picture will no doubt be very useful.
Best wishes and thank you,
David
drm
Hi Beverley,
I’ve forwarded your email to a local historian who should get in touch soon.
Best wishes,
David
Beverlee Lang
Hello, I am writing a bit of a memoir, my own journey in faith. the first church/ sunday school I attended was the Hebers Free Methodist church on Hollin Lane, demolished in 1969 or 1970 ish and housing built on the land. I am looking for any photographs of this church. I have scoured on line and have not found any, perhaps someone could sign post me?
Thanks in advance.
Brian Jury
I have an early photograph (a side by side stereoscopic slide) taken around 1908 of the Gate House at Low Hills, Lindley, Huddersfield. Would the Society be interested in my sending a digital copy to you. It has a little girl with a hoop. She is my Ant Winifred Jury. The photo was taken by Walter Jury her Father who could have been an acquaintance of Edgar Wood.
drm
Hi Declan,
Sorry for the delay in getting back. Edgar Wood was enthusiastic about design and architecture and in the late 1880s and early 1890s he ran classes across what is now Greater Manchester. This showed him to be someone with a hands-on and practical approach. He seems to have moved towards lecturing in the 1890s, though he was not an avid lecturer or article writer like some of his contemporaries. He expressed himself mainly through his designs and personally with colleagues and other artists and architects.
We know of eleven lectures from 1891 to 1922 but we only know what Edgar said in detail for just three 1900, 1911 and 1912. The subjects he covered were practical and artistic.
David
drm
Hello Heidi
I apologise for the two month delay. Corvid 19 appears to have got in the way!
I’m familiar with the books. Are they close enough to Middleton for you to deliver or for me to collect?
Thanks very much for contacting us.
Geoff
drm
Hello Bryan. I knew May Moores and my brother, Norman, knew Alex/Alec. I put your question on Old Middleton New Middleton (Facebook) and had a number of comments. Here’s a couple:
Yes , I lived near that bakery . I went past there a while back and it was still a bakery , don’t know if it’s still open . In those days when May had it , it was thriving , 5 or six serving at a time . She did catering as well.
I lived on Waverley Rd when I was a kid. Remember May Moore’s bakery well. Proper muffins. It was the end shop where the round about is. There was also William Newsagent. There was a grocers a clothes shop and an ironmonger shop. Can’t think of their names. It’s going to haunt me all night till I remember It was about 54yrs ago.
And from Norman
Yes May Moore’s had a bakery on Hollin Estate and her son Alec worked for a long time in The Netherlands commuting between Manchester Monday morning returning for the weekend on a Friday. Mrs.Moores if I remember correctly, retired to the City of Gloucester
Hollin Estate is on the Rochdale side of Middleton. I lived about 500 yards as the crow flies from May Moores’ shop.
Hope this is of some help.
Geoff
drm
Hi Bryan,
I will forward your email onto a local historian. Best wishes.
David
Site Admin.
Bryan Henstock
I knew a person ‘Alex Moores’ in Canada over 40 years ago. His mother ran a shop in Middleton or Oldham called ‘Moore’s Pie’. They were apparently well known in the surrounding area.
Any help?
In the estate of my late husband who came from Rhodes/Middleton I find two booklets entitled „Memories of a Middleton Moonraker“ by Alfred Howarth and „Middleton in “ by Morris Garratt and John Cole.
Could someone please advice me what I could do with them?
Thanking you.
Heidi Moran
declan cahill
Hi, has anyone come across any of Woods lectures he gave? Thanks
drm
I’ve forwarded your query to a local historian. Best wishes, Site Admin
Roy Liddle
Hi I wonder if you can help with research on my .family history
My Brother , Peter Liddle , was born in Macclesfield ,March 1943 ( no exact date) , but the family had no connections with that area , all being cotton workers in Middleton . I wonder if this may be due to evacuation during the was and if so was this common practice.
Also I am trying to access parish records for both St Leonards Church and St Micheals and wonder if you have a link ?
Normally I would visit the library but of course not possible in the unusual time
many thanks
roy liddle
Me
Hi I would like them if still available I live in the centre of Middleton and have done since birth.
Thanks
drm
The fire damaged Tonge Hall was partially repaired and stabilised by Heritage Trust for the North West with a grant from Historic England around 6 years ago. Originally, it was going to be passed to the Trust for restoration but instead Rochdale Council took ownership and has run the site since. In 2016, Rochdale Council was planning to sell some land for development and use the money as an enabling development for restoring the Hall, see… http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=22264
But we have heard little since.
Christopher Bennett
Please can you inform me what is the current situation with Tonge Hall. It seems such a shame it is being left in the sorry state.
colin unwin
He will never be forgotten..
colin unwin
I went to St Leanords grave yard a month ago
I went six times to find Samuels grave ..I was lucky the last time I went
because I bumped into one of Samuels family members who finally
found the grave ..you coudn,t read the inscription on his stone.
Two days later I went and cleaned his headstone , and now you can read
what this great man did for us all.
I sketched a map of just where in the cemetry his grave lies
and I gave copy,s to the central library in Manchester
and some copy,s to Middleton library and some copy,s to Touchstones Museum in rochdale..
colin unwin
His memory will never be forgotten ..
colin unwin
I went to find Samuel Bamfords grave and couldn,t find it ..I went six times until there was a member of his family
who shown me where it was ..but even then we couldnt read the inscription on his stone
..so I went home and got some cleaning material went back and cleaned his grave stone…now you can read what this man for the people did for us all..
I did a map of just where the grave is and I gave Manchester Central library some copys
as well as Middleton library and touchstones in Rochdale..
Oliver Gerrish
Dear sir or madam. My g g grandfather was Harvey’s Heywood, Mayor of Middleton, who lived at Parkfield House. There is a window by Christopher Whall to him and great grandfather William Dickins Heywood in St Leonard’s. I have various photos of the family and Parkfield House, which became the town hall. Would be delighted to share. With best wishes. Oliver
drm
Happy new Year. Yes, I’m sure they would be. I’ll write separately to you. David M.
Jackie Aiton
I wonder if you can help. I have been clearing out my grandfathers belongings and have come across a number of books and photographs relating to Middleton and the surrounding area from 1860 to WW1. Would these be if any interest to anyone at Middleton heritage? I can’t bring myself to throw them away but am not really sure what to do with them!
Jean Broadbent
Do you have any more dates planned for screening A Painter Veil please
Sydney Drew
Hello My name Sydney Drew I live in Canada I am Direct Relative of The DREW family From Middleton Norfolk my Great Grandfathers Great Grandfather was William High Drew born 1801 in Middleton hes the half brother of John Drew the builder of Middleton Blackborough End Mill.. I have up to Williams Great Great Fathers father John & Elizabeth Drew .. Any other info on my Family would be so helpful . my email is ..
Robert Anthony Moore
I, like most of my family, was born in Middleton.
I am approaching 65 and my last remaining blood relatives older than me are 87 & 88 and both suffering dementia.
Before we all ‘pass away’ I am curious to find out more about our ancestry.
Wondering if you could assist in any way?
Kevin Elliott
Hello
Please be informed that Derek Elliott passed away on Monday 5 Feb. Funeral provisionally at Middleton Crematorium on 15 Feb at 1:30pm
drm
Tickets are not needed. Just turn up (better come early).
Mike English
Are tickets needed for the screening of A Painted Veil in Middleton on the 15th March?
drm
I’ve passed your message onto the Family History Group.
Site Admin
Alan Iddon
Can you send me information about the Langley Family ?
I know they resided at Langley Hall ,Birch in Hopwood but would like to know what land belonged to them?
Did they come under the rule of the Hopwoods of Hopwood Hall ?
Which Family owned Birch.
David Morris
Hi Jon,
Sorry about the late reply. Middleton’s Revolutionary Architect is not actually a booklet but a small display. It contains a number of Andy’s photos but the photo exhibition proper is hung in the school buildings adjacent the Arts & Crafts Church. There is also a guide leaflet on the Long Street Buldings plus a new Edgar Wood Middleton trail booklet. If you would like to visit the buildings, please let me know.
Best wishes,
David Morris
Jon Sussman
Hello,
I wonder if it’s possible to obtain a copy of the Middleton’s revolutionary architect booklet? Is this part of Andy Marshall’s photographic exhibition? If not, is there any way of seeing the pictures. I have a newish found interest in Edgar Wood,
The Society for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey supports the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they may be brought back into community use.
Society for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey exists to celebrate and foster interest
in all forms of art, architecture and design of ‘the Arts and Crafts Era’ – the period from
1860 to 1930. The Society is concerned with the conservation and awareness of works associated with the period and is gathering together information such as publications, photographs and drawings relating to this extraordinary period of creativity in Surrey.
The Society was formed in 1996 to act as a forum for those who share this interest and enthusiasm and currently there are around 200 members. http://www.artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk
In early September twenty four members of our Society visited the Middleton Wesleyan Church and Schools designed by Edgar Wood and had a guided tour of local houses and buildings by Wood that was led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic members of the Edgar Wood Society.
On a subsequent day we were able to view the exterior and interior of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Victoria Park designed by Wood at a later date and demonstrating his architectural development in an imaginative and striking composition using a splayed plan.
We were greatly impressed by the originality of design and the fitness for purpose of the earlier Long Street Church and School. The simplicity of the buildings, set around the courtyard garden, with the contrasting scale and form of the tall Gothic style Church and the domestic grouping of the School buildings is most effective. Where used – and generally used sparingly to highlight the most significant features – the decorative detailing to be found in the buildings, whether in brick, stone, wood, metal or glass is of the highest quality and craftsmanship; the epitome of Arts and Crafts design.
We would stress the importance of the Middleton Wesleyan Church in the roll call of Arts and Crafts churches in Britain that present a harmonious entity of design of building structure, church fittings and decoration. St Mary the Virgin, Great Warley, All Saints, Brockhampton, St Andrew’s, Roker, St Martin’s, Blackheath, and St Sophia, Lower Kingswood – and most famously
– Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, Chelsea are amongst the few gems of the period.
Our collective experience of viewing Arts and Crafts buildings over a period of the twenty years of our Society’s existence and especially our knowledge of the wide-range of examples of Surrey’s Arts and Crafts buildings – by the famous names of the period – Lutyens, Voysey, Baillie-Scott and their pre-cursors GG Scott, GE Street, Norman Shaw and those less well known names such as Harrison Townsend, Thakeray Turner, Christopher Hatton Turnor or Alfred Powell, provide a platform from which the significance and quality of the work of Edgar Wood may be considered comparable with the best of the Arts and Crafts architects and his is one whose name should be better known.
It must be acknowledged that the Long Street School buildings, whilst having the advantage of retaining original features, face the challenge that some areas of the buildings are deteriorating in condition and may not meet modern requirements for facilities and services. The best way to safeguard this significant example of Middleton’s Arts and Crafts heritage is to ensure an on-going future use by the local community with restoration of the buildings for this purpose. Community use would be most appropriate, reflecting the historic use of the site and being more likely to involve fewer and more sympathetic changes to the buildings than other uses might require.
Paulette Bansal
This seems a very worthwhile application, and well worth saving for the community of people in Middleton.
Ann
I support the application for restoration
victoria brandon
I fully support the saving of these buildings so that they can be brought back into use by the community and appreciated for alll their historical and architectural importance.
Laura illingworth
We support the application to restore the edger woods building
John Baker
I fully support this grant application. Edgar Wood and his buildings, especially historically important ones like Long Street Church and its adjoining school buildings are landmarks in Architectural History and deserve greater recognition. The school buildings should be restored and maintained by being brought back into life through community use, which will not only bring benefits to the people of Middleton but will help to raise the profile of Edgar Wood and his work.
K Armstrong
I would like to add my support for this restoration project.
Trevor Hayward
We fully support the application.
Gill & Trev Hayward
Sean and Joanna Johnston
We fully support the application
Paul Pilkington
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Crispin Edwards
As part of a wider community of conservation professionals who appreciate and value the Long Street Edgar Wood buildings, I support the application for grant to provide a viable future use for these buildings.
Robbie & Stephanie Hayward
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use
Penny & Gareth
We loved the whole area. Please keep it going for all to enjoy. The volunteers have done a brilliant job.
Alec Hamilton, Cheltenham. DPhil researcher at Oxford University
The significance of Edgar Wood’s Middleton Wesleyan Church and Schools can hardly be overstated. It stands alongside his First Church of Christ Scientist in Fallowfield as the only remaining uncompromised example of his innovative and imaginative church architecture – and, wonderfully, Middleton retains all of its internal fittings. Wood’s leading role in the Northern Art Workers Guild indicates his importance in proselytizing Arts & Crafts ideas in Lancashire, and bringing freshness and originality to architectural design comparable with what was emerging meanwhile in London, Glasgow and Birmingham. The buildings at Middleton express a defiant, positive, progressive attitude amongst Methodists in Lancashire at the start of the 20th century which seems now both brave and inexplicable – yet which foreshadows in a way the “faith school” approach to education of more recent governments, integrating education and ethical values. And, on top of all that, it has some of the most beautiful Arts & Crafts glass in its doors, reminiscent of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is a jewel which must be treasured so that all can benefit from its magnificence. In architectural history terms, Middleton stands alongside a small group of Arts & Crafts ecclesiastical masterpieces which are only now – not a moment too soon – being recognised and appreciated for their importance in Britain’s cultural history: Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, Chelsea; All Saints, Brockhampton, Herefordshire; St Andrew’s, Roker; and Edward the Confessor, Kempley, Glos. I wholeheartedly support and commend the application to Viridor for a grant to help in its restoration.
Carolyn and Christopher Smith
Recently visited the work of Edgar Wood in Middleton with a group from the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey. All 24 in the group were most impressed with Long Street Church and Schools which are a fine example of his work. It is clear that a dedicated band of enthusiasts have put a huge amount of effort into doing what they can to preserve these buildings. However, it was also clear that much still needed to be done to help preserve them. We wholeheartedly support this grant application.
Edward Woolley
Nice to see a remarkable heritage building being saved rather than destroyed.
Wayne & Emma Ashworth
We fully support this grant application to Viridor in order to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton.
Amy
I fully support this great project and believe that this building could play even more of a strong part in our community.
Penny
I fully support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
We are standing at pivotal moments regarding our historical architectures and need to save building such as this. If we don’t we risk being condemned by future generation for our reckless disregard for precious things that quite simply can never be replaced.
To restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use seems like an excellent and viable reuse. Keeping the structures inhabited and used is vital for their long term survival and I support the grant application by Viridor.
Beryl Winters
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Anthony Cosgrove
I have been a committee member for the Edgar Wood Society since it’s formation, and have been a huge Edgar Wood fan since I was a child. His buildings are what makes me most proud to be from Middleton, they are a legacy of the most forward thinking, innovative and ground-breaking architect that this country has produced. He was a true pioneer with examples in one small town that pre-date the accepted thinking on both Art Deco and Art Nouveau design. Long Street School is a true Arts and Crafts wonder and this grant would be a wonderful way to help preserve this world-class complex.
Mr John and Mrs Terrie Baker
We fully support this application to restore and to bring back into community use this masterpiece of Edgar Wood. Wood is to Middleton, Manchester and the northwest what Mackintosh is to Glasgow and Scotland and this project will help to ensure that his architectural legacy is preserved and is given the local and indeed national recognition it deserves
Kerrie
I support the application to restore this wonderful arts and crafts masterpiece for the local community and the nation.
Kerrie Melrose
Huddersfield
Dan
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Wendy higgin
I support this grant project
Natalie and Darral Wilson
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I wholeheartedly support this grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings, Long Street, Middleton, Manchester.
Our family have used these buildings for generations, they are an important part of our heritage and it is essential that they are preserved for future generations to be able to appreciate and see the wonderful architecture and historical value they hold.
A definite community asset to the town, with the opportunity for people to take part in local heritage, cultural, art events to name a few..
Barrie and Wendy Armstrong
We support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Unlike in the Home Counties, where the work of Arts and Crafts architects has long been valued, that of their equally talented colleagues in the North of England has been much less appreciated. Edgar Wood was probably the foremost pioneer of Arts and Crafts architecture in the North West and we must not miss the opportunity to conserve the Long Street complex, which is one of his most important works.
Barrie and Wendy Armstrong.
Bethany Walsh
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Catherine Buckley
This project will help revitalise a historic building and greatly benefit the local and wider community. A very worthwhile venture.
Alison Moore
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton
Sheila Caldwell
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Gillian & Trevor Hayward
We support the grant application to viridor to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings at long Street Middleton . It is so important to retain this Arts and Crafts building .
Alan Howarth
Having served as the Area Manager North West and then the National Operations Manager for ENTRUST, the Government Appointed regulator of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, I would like to offer my support to this proposal.
Carla
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Kate Coltas
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Mike Hicks
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Rachael Baron
I wholeheartedly support the application for this grant. As so much of our local heritage is sadly being lost as a horrific rate, whilst this wonderful building is loving looked after by volunteers. It is truly a jewel in Middleton’s crown and deserves to remain so, for generations to come.
Paul Coltas
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Piers
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Amy botham
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Lucy
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Katherine Baker
I support the grant application to Viridor for the restoration of the Edgar Wood School Buildings at Long Street Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Jessica buckingham
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Mary and Eddie Baker
We support the grant application to Viridor for he restoration of the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be preserved and brought back into community use.
Cristina George
I absolutely support the project to restore this fabulous building. There is no way that a building as beautiful as this, with so much architectural importance should not be restored for future generations to appreciate.
Elspeth Potts
I wholeheartedly support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use. Too many unique buildings are being left to rot or demolished when they could be restored for future generations to love and appreciate.
Ian Garraway
The Edgar Wood School and Church building is not only a loved, and an important piece of the architectural heritage of the area. It also offers an array of spaces of varying sizes which can cater for a wide range of community needs and requirements, space which is becoming hard to come by. I wholly support the restoration of this building for the people of this generation and the next.
Richard williams
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use
We as a Family offer our full support for the grant application to Viridor for the restoration of the Long Street School buildings, this an outstanding and well loved part of Edgar Wood’s Arts and Crafts heritage in Middleton and offers great potential for wider community use.
Andrew Barnes
This project will help revitalise a historic building and greatly benefit the local and wider community. A very worthwhile venture.
The school at Long Street by Edgar Wood is without any pre-cursor. Ongoing research is showing that the building is unique not only in local circles but also in national and international circles in terms of it’s revolutionary style and approach. This building is perhaps the only material embodiment of a relationship formed between its architect Edgar Wood and the internationally renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Edgar Wood was an architectural ‘pop star’ of his day and there is growing recognition of a man whose body of work was celebrated in Hermann Muthesius’s Das Englische Haus.
The building has always served the community and its best chances of survival remain in such service.
Andy Marshall
Bury
Lancs
Samantha Fahmy
I totally agree that Long Street School should be restored for community use. There are fewer places that can host community and charity events that are suitable for all ages. I feel it would be used greatly. I would certainly use it for charity events as I am sure other local charities would.
Samantha Fahmy
Fundraising Secretary
Oldham Cats Rescue in Middleton
Beverley Hargreaves
If the local architect’s school buildings (Edgar Wood) can’t be saved, that is a great shame. I support this grant project for this reason.
Also I remember going to youth club here, it’s a beautiful building it must be opened back to the community.
Best of luck
Margaret Burgess
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use. The design of the Church is architecturally fascinating and well deserving of preservation for future generations to appreciate the work of the great architect, Edgar Wood.
Melvyn Whatmough
I strongly support the restoration of the school rooms at Long Street Methodist Church. I went Sunday School at Long Street and also progressed through the Cubs and Scouts. I was a member of the congregation and also participated in a number of activities in the various school rooms. The Church complex is a real masterpiece and is really worthy of saving for future generations.
David Winder
Long Street school is of such local hisorical importance that i fully support the project to preserve it for future generations. To bring it back into use for the local community will be such a huge asset and legacy.
David Winder
Helen Duncan
Restoring the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton will enable members of the community to use and enjoy them. I therefore support the grant application to Viridor.
Colette Wagstaffe
I would like to show my support of the work required to upgrade facilities at Long Street Methodist Church to a standard acceptable to allow the buildings to be brought back into community use and to help preserve the future of this important Grade II* listed building designed by Edgar Wood. As a local, I value our buildings of heritage and fully support the good work of the Arts and Crafts Trust.
mary j wilkinson
My daughter was part of brownies and girl guides they would use that room for srt&craft badge work
John Randles
I also support the grant application to viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings at
Long street Middleton so that it can be used by the community in and around Middleton.
Best Regards.
John Randles.
Susan Lally
I totally support this grant project Long Street School is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece and should be loved and cared for so the whole community and future generations can benefit.
Susan Lally
Rochdale, Lancashire
Ian Jenkins
I wholeheartedly support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I went to Sunday School at Edgar Wood’s Long Street school so, as a former member of the congregation at the Methodist Church who also got married there, I have a strong connection with the building.
To see it used to its full potential would be an asset to the community of my old hometown.
I consider Edgar Wood to be one of the most important Arts & Crafts architects of the north of England. His work is important nationally and internationally. His design and deal work is on a par with Baillie Scott and Guy Dawber in my opinion. To lose this important building would be tragedy in terms of architectural loss and community use. I hope that it can be retained, loved and used as it was intended and that Manchester recognises and retains this important heritage asset.
Neil Quinn (former Manchester resident and Architect)
BA Hons Arch Dip Arch ARB RIBA IHBC
Barry Joyce
Edgar Wood’s reputation as one of the country’s outstanding arts and crafts architects is well established- and well deserved. I support the protection of his work.
Barry Joyce MBE, Dip Arch, MSc conservation.
Barry Joyce
Edgar Wood reputation as one of the outstanding arts and crafts architects is well established- and well deserved. I support the protection of his work.
Barry Joyce MBE, Dip Arch, MSc conservation.
Buildings such as this are vital to the history of the arts & crafts movement. I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I would be very interested in hearing if any future news & development
Anna Morris
I gave my support by email, saying
“I would like to express my support for the restoration of Long Street
School.
I have visited the school and neighboring church before to see the
unusual architecture, and was fascinated by the design and history.
Edgar Wood is an architect that Middleton should be really proud of, and
the architecture, while beautiful and important, is also very calming
and non-threatening. I think these things make it a great venue for
community use.
Kind Regards
Anna Morris
Clitheroe, Lancashire”
David Morris
I enthusiastically support this grant project. Long Street School is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece that is lovingly cared for by a team of volunteers. It has great potential for community, heritage and cultural events.
David Morris
Blackburn, Lancashire
David M
Congratulations everyone for such a successful day and all the work that went into it. I wish I could have been there, so thanks also for such a detailed post.
David
Great to see the first Golden Cluster visitors having such a good time. Well done to all the volunteers. David M.
Nick Baker
Congratulations to Christine for her nomination – the importance of the contributions both she and husband Geoff have made to Middleton’s heritage cannot be emphasized enough. It has never gone unnoticed by those that have had the pleasure of working with them, and this nomination was a very well-deserved recognition for the effort put in!
Gregory Whatmough
The garden looks as if keeps you fit and healthy!
David Morris
There is still a long way to go! David
David Morris
Hi Carolyn,
We’ll email you back shortly.
Best wishes,
David
Carolyn Smith
I am arranging a tour of Manchester for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey in September 2016. We are a specialist group interested in everything to do with the Arts and Crafts movement. On Thursday, 15th, we are having a tour of the Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road. I would like to go to the First Church of Christ Scientist on Daisy Bank before this but have no contact details. Do you have any, please? On Wednesday 14th September, we will have a coach and will be going to the church at Marple and Bramhall in the afternoon. In the morning, I wondered if we could do a visit to Middleton to see the exhibition and key buildings. Would you be able to advise and help with this? How long would we need? I look forward to your reply.
Anna Wood
Hallo
My daughter lives at 24 Mount Road Alkrington Middleton in an Edgar Wood property but it isnt featured on this website.
Geoff
I’ve been looking at references to The Lodge and Lodge St in the Middleton Guardian. I presume The Lodge is the first property, now a chicken bar?
Do you have any photos of your gran’s house and what was her name?
I think you’re correct about it being a lodge to the Hall. The main driveway was from Market Place and as the town was developed, Old Hall St seemed to become the new entrance; but this would be short lived because a few years later, the Hall was demolished 1845) and Dronsfield’s mill was built on the site. This was later destroyed by a fire and the Albany was built in its place.
Geoff
Wendy Coupe
The research of the old boundary is fascinating.
I would just like to mention that my grandmother lived on Lodge Street during the late 30’s early 40’s, and this house was always referred to in the family as the Lodge. Could this have been connected to Middleton Hall?
alan iddon
Why is there no mention on this site of the Edgar Wood Drinking Fountain at Birch in Hopwood?
Rochdale Council have been constantly been lobbied for its Restoration and Relocation since 1996
David Morris
Many thanks, I’ll pass this on.
David
Shirley Mac Donald
Hi
My great Uncle William Percy Patchett was kindly remembered by Leslie Richardson in a scroll with his details. Is Mr Richardson part of your group? I am in Australia and wished to thank him for his kind gesture. My great Uncle sadly died just toward the end of the war, having fought through much of the worst of it. My Grandmother never really got over his loss. He was gone before my mother was born and so of course we now have very little information about him.
If Mr Richardson is in your group, would you kindly convey my thanks.
Shirley Mac Donald
Sydney
Australia
Visitor Information
For further visitor information, please call Rochdale Visitor Centre 01706 924928 or email vic@link4life.org
Dear Belinda,
The memorial gardens are listed and the list description gives a lot of information. See…
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1415410?section=official-list-entry
Best wishes,
David (admin)
Hello I would like more information regarding the building of the war memorial gardens, who donated the land, who designed it, who paid for it eyc
I’m sorry. I’ve asked around but nobody has heard of this. David
Do you know anything about the story behind the “Maid of Middleton” grave?
Many thanks
Hi Alan,
I have passed your email onto someone who may know.
Best of luck,
David
Site admin
Hi, I am trying to find the location of an old beer house that was somewhere in the Slattocks area, called the Jolly Waggoner. It was definitely open for business during the mid 19th century and by all accounts it wasn’t to far away from the old Hopwood Arms, but I have had no luck finding out just where it was. Hope you can help me. Thanks.
Hello My name is James Davis and I am trying to get information about my great grandmother Mary Davies( born 1849 in Manchester, christened 19 August 1849 in Manchester Cathedral) or to be more accurate my great grandfather named Bruff.
The information I have is this : My great grandmother and my great grandfather had a son John Davis born in Middleton in 1867. At that time they were living at
6 Park street in Tonge Middleton. In 1891 John Davis was living with his mother Mary Davies at 12 Park street Tonge in Middleton.
A quote from the report I have “ It is quite likely that John was born legitimate and his father reputed to be a guy called Bruff from Manchester”unquote.
Why the ‘e’ was dropped in the name Davies is not clear, perhaps an error in the documentation.
As you can see my genealogy ends on my father’s side at the name Bruff and as you can imagine I am very curious where the name Bruff leads to.
My questions to you are: Do you know if the name Bruff is a Middleton name do you think it is a Manchester name? Was Tonge an area of Middleton?
I would be very grateful of any help you could give me.
Kind regards and many thanks,
James Davis
I’ve forwarded your message to someone who might be able to help. Admin.
Hi,
I am the history coordinator at Saint Mary’s School, Langley. I am currently trying to create some end of topic end points for our Year 4 children who will be studying a topic called: “Can you tell the story of the Saxons in Middleton?” I was wondering if there was anyone I could talk to gain ideas for the children’s learning?
Many thanks,
Carmel Boycott
Hi Oliver, I atually live on the site where Parkfield house was (Sefton Road) and am very interested in seeing the photos. can You share them?
Hi Kirsten, Great to hear from you. I’ve forwarded your message to Geoff Wellens, one of Middleton’s local historians. I hope he can help you out!
Best wishes.
David Morris
Hello from the United States! I am researching my family tree and it seems my great-grandmother was Catherine “Kitty” Wellens of St. Helens, Lancashire, daughter of James Wellens of Middleton. Can anyone help me confirm this? Any information about the Wellens family would be much appreciated. I particularly would like to know if they ever visited Halifax. Thank you!
Dear Alison,
Nice to hear from you. The story of the Independent Labour Club is that it belonged to Rochdale Council and was used as a family and children centre. In 2011/12, it was restored to its former glory by the Council as part of its commitment to the Edgar Wood buildings which it owns. However, this went awry when the Council was forced to sell it owing to the government’s austerity cutbacks. In new ownership, it was left vacant and attacked by vandals. We were worried that we might lose it. Planning permission and listed building consent were then put in for conversion to flats. This meant the loss of the historic interior but was effectively the only option to save the building. The conversion was done but unauthorised upvc windows and other alterations held up its completion. However, it is now finished and I believe occupied. The building is the only listed ILP club in the country.
The story of Durnford Street School is similar in that, following the demolition of the main school in 2002, the remaining listed Infant School was restored by Rochdale Council and used as an adult education centre. However, it too had to be sold around 2013 owing to austerity and it likewise became vandalised in new ownership. The problems, however, were much worse at the school and it is now in a dreadful state, see this video here…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsUCuUfYqKA
If you would like any photos of these buildings just email me on edgarwoodsociety@gmail.com
Did you know that we now have a separate website? See https://edgarwoodsociety.org/
We would love to have you onboard.
Best wishes,
David
Hi I have been interested in Edgar Wood’s work when I discovered he designed the Independent Labour Club on Milton Street and as i teach art & design.
Has any work been done on the Club to make sure its retained as orgional as possible? I know it was sold and now seems to be flats the square space at the back which became the playground when it was a nursery was a bowling green originally.
I also noticed that you havent listed Durnford Street School in picture form on the web site.I know Henry Sellers and Wood designed that as they did for Elm Street.
I live in Oxford so cant get to meetings but would be interested in helping maintain your work . on Wood.
I have researched my family name Taylor and to some extent early Rennie 20th century family as they were related and Kenyons.
Most of my family and myself attended Morton Street Methodist Chapel.
The Taylors started out living on Dane Street by the Mill & on Grimshaw lane and lived at various addresses around Middleton. My Grandad Walter Taylor ran a chip shop on Morton Street in the 1920’s or 30’s for a while and also had a workshop in Spring Vale
He was friends with the Mc Indoe family and many of my family attended the Independent Labour Club (ILP)on Milton Street.
Any information on Morton Street and the ILP in Middleton would be excellent. I did a bit of a history of the latter as Milton Street Club was designed by Edgar Wood and my background is art & design.
I lived in Alkrington for half my life but now live in Oxford so cant attend meetings
I also would like to know what the update is with Tonge Hall? Do we know what the plans are with this building? Thank you
Dear Brian,
Sorry about the late reply. Yes please! That would be wonderful. Please could you send it to edgarwoodsociety@gmail.com ?
We haven’t studied this particular building in great detail so the picture will no doubt be very useful.
Best wishes and thank you,
David
Hi Beverley,
I’ve forwarded your email to a local historian who should get in touch soon.
Best wishes,
David
Hello, I am writing a bit of a memoir, my own journey in faith. the first church/ sunday school I attended was the Hebers Free Methodist church on Hollin Lane, demolished in 1969 or 1970 ish and housing built on the land. I am looking for any photographs of this church. I have scoured on line and have not found any, perhaps someone could sign post me?
Thanks in advance.
I have an early photograph (a side by side stereoscopic slide) taken around 1908 of the Gate House at Low Hills, Lindley, Huddersfield. Would the Society be interested in my sending a digital copy to you. It has a little girl with a hoop. She is my Ant Winifred Jury. The photo was taken by Walter Jury her Father who could have been an acquaintance of Edgar Wood.
Hi Declan,
Sorry for the delay in getting back. Edgar Wood was enthusiastic about design and architecture and in the late 1880s and early 1890s he ran classes across what is now Greater Manchester. This showed him to be someone with a hands-on and practical approach. He seems to have moved towards lecturing in the 1890s, though he was not an avid lecturer or article writer like some of his contemporaries. He expressed himself mainly through his designs and personally with colleagues and other artists and architects.
We know of eleven lectures from 1891 to 1922 but we only know what Edgar said in detail for just three 1900, 1911 and 1912. The subjects he covered were practical and artistic.
David
Hello Heidi
I apologise for the two month delay. Corvid 19 appears to have got in the way!
I’m familiar with the books. Are they close enough to Middleton for you to deliver or for me to collect?
Thanks very much for contacting us.
Geoff
Hello Bryan. I knew May Moores and my brother, Norman, knew Alex/Alec. I put your question on Old Middleton New Middleton (Facebook) and had a number of comments. Here’s a couple:
Yes , I lived near that bakery . I went past there a while back and it was still a bakery , don’t know if it’s still open . In those days when May had it , it was thriving , 5 or six serving at a time . She did catering as well.
I lived on Waverley Rd when I was a kid. Remember May Moore’s bakery well. Proper muffins. It was the end shop where the round about is. There was also William Newsagent. There was a grocers a clothes shop and an ironmonger shop. Can’t think of their names. It’s going to haunt me all night till I remember It was about 54yrs ago.
And from Norman
Yes May Moore’s had a bakery on Hollin Estate and her son Alec worked for a long time in The Netherlands commuting between Manchester Monday morning returning for the weekend on a Friday. Mrs.Moores if I remember correctly, retired to the City of Gloucester
Hollin Estate is on the Rochdale side of Middleton. I lived about 500 yards as the crow flies from May Moores’ shop.
Hope this is of some help.
Geoff
Hi Bryan,
I will forward your email onto a local historian. Best wishes.
David
Site Admin.
I knew a person ‘Alex Moores’ in Canada over 40 years ago. His mother ran a shop in Middleton or Oldham called ‘Moore’s Pie’. They were apparently well known in the surrounding area.
Any help?
In the estate of my late husband who came from Rhodes/Middleton I find two booklets entitled „Memories of a Middleton Moonraker“ by Alfred Howarth and „Middleton in “ by Morris Garratt and John Cole.
Could someone please advice me what I could do with them?
Thanking you.
Heidi Moran
Hi, has anyone come across any of Woods lectures he gave? Thanks
I’ve forwarded your query to a local historian. Best wishes, Site Admin
Hi I wonder if you can help with research on my .family history
My Brother , Peter Liddle , was born in Macclesfield ,March 1943 ( no exact date) , but the family had no connections with that area , all being cotton workers in Middleton . I wonder if this may be due to evacuation during the was and if so was this common practice.
Also I am trying to access parish records for both St Leonards Church and St Micheals and wonder if you have a link ?
Normally I would visit the library but of course not possible in the unusual time
many thanks
roy liddle
Hi I would like them if still available I live in the centre of Middleton and have done since birth.
Thanks
The fire damaged Tonge Hall was partially repaired and stabilised by Heritage Trust for the North West with a grant from Historic England around 6 years ago. Originally, it was going to be passed to the Trust for restoration but instead Rochdale Council took ownership and has run the site since. In 2016, Rochdale Council was planning to sell some land for development and use the money as an enabling development for restoring the Hall, see…
http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=22264
But we have heard little since.
Please can you inform me what is the current situation with Tonge Hall. It seems such a shame it is being left in the sorry state.
He will never be forgotten..
I went to St Leanords grave yard a month ago
I went six times to find Samuels grave ..I was lucky the last time I went
because I bumped into one of Samuels family members who finally
found the grave ..you coudn,t read the inscription on his stone.
Two days later I went and cleaned his headstone , and now you can read
what this great man did for us all.
I sketched a map of just where in the cemetry his grave lies
and I gave copy,s to the central library in Manchester
and some copy,s to Middleton library and some copy,s to Touchstones Museum in rochdale..
His memory will never be forgotten ..
I went to find Samuel Bamfords grave and couldn,t find it ..I went six times until there was a member of his family
who shown me where it was ..but even then we couldnt read the inscription on his stone
..so I went home and got some cleaning material went back and cleaned his grave stone…now you can read what this man for the people did for us all..
I did a map of just where the grave is and I gave Manchester Central library some copys
as well as Middleton library and touchstones in Rochdale..
Dear sir or madam. My g g grandfather was Harvey’s Heywood, Mayor of Middleton, who lived at Parkfield House. There is a window by Christopher Whall to him and great grandfather William Dickins Heywood in St Leonard’s. I have various photos of the family and Parkfield House, which became the town hall. Would be delighted to share. With best wishes. Oliver
Happy new Year. Yes, I’m sure they would be. I’ll write separately to you. David M.
I wonder if you can help. I have been clearing out my grandfathers belongings and have come across a number of books and photographs relating to Middleton and the surrounding area from 1860 to WW1. Would these be if any interest to anyone at Middleton heritage? I can’t bring myself to throw them away but am not really sure what to do with them!
Do you have any more dates planned for screening A Painter Veil please
Hello My name Sydney Drew I live in Canada I am Direct Relative of The DREW family From Middleton Norfolk my Great Grandfathers Great Grandfather was William High Drew born 1801 in Middleton hes the half brother of John Drew the builder of Middleton Blackborough End Mill.. I have up to Williams Great Great Fathers father John & Elizabeth Drew .. Any other info on my Family would be so helpful . my email is ..
I, like most of my family, was born in Middleton.
I am approaching 65 and my last remaining blood relatives older than me are 87 & 88 and both suffering dementia.
Before we all ‘pass away’ I am curious to find out more about our ancestry.
Wondering if you could assist in any way?
Hello
Please be informed that Derek Elliott passed away on Monday 5 Feb. Funeral provisionally at Middleton Crematorium on 15 Feb at 1:30pm
Tickets are not needed. Just turn up (better come early).
Are tickets needed for the screening of A Painted Veil in Middleton on the 15th March?
I’ve passed your message onto the Family History Group.
Site Admin
Can you send me information about the Langley Family ?
I know they resided at Langley Hall ,Birch in Hopwood but would like to know what land belonged to them?
Did they come under the rule of the Hopwoods of Hopwood Hall ?
Which Family owned Birch.
Hi Jon,
Sorry about the late reply. Middleton’s Revolutionary Architect is not actually a booklet but a small display. It contains a number of Andy’s photos but the photo exhibition proper is hung in the school buildings adjacent the Arts & Crafts Church. There is also a guide leaflet on the Long Street Buldings plus a new Edgar Wood Middleton trail booklet. If you would like to visit the buildings, please let me know.
Best wishes,
David Morris
Hello,
I wonder if it’s possible to obtain a copy of the Middleton’s revolutionary architect booklet? Is this part of Andy Marshall’s photographic exhibition? If not, is there any way of seeing the pictures. I have a newish found interest in Edgar Wood,
save this masterpiece by Edgar wood
I support the application . It is important to save this type of architecture and it is also important to create a community facility.
The Society for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey supports the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they may be brought back into community use.
Society for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey exists to celebrate and foster interest
in all forms of art, architecture and design of ‘the Arts and Crafts Era’ – the period from
1860 to 1930. The Society is concerned with the conservation and awareness of works associated with the period and is gathering together information such as publications, photographs and drawings relating to this extraordinary period of creativity in Surrey.
The Society was formed in 1996 to act as a forum for those who share this interest and enthusiasm and currently there are around 200 members.
http://www.artsandcraftsmovementinsurrey.org.uk
In early September twenty four members of our Society visited the Middleton Wesleyan Church and Schools designed by Edgar Wood and had a guided tour of local houses and buildings by Wood that was led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic members of the Edgar Wood Society.
On a subsequent day we were able to view the exterior and interior of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Victoria Park designed by Wood at a later date and demonstrating his architectural development in an imaginative and striking composition using a splayed plan.
We were greatly impressed by the originality of design and the fitness for purpose of the earlier Long Street Church and School. The simplicity of the buildings, set around the courtyard garden, with the contrasting scale and form of the tall Gothic style Church and the domestic grouping of the School buildings is most effective. Where used – and generally used sparingly to highlight the most significant features – the decorative detailing to be found in the buildings, whether in brick, stone, wood, metal or glass is of the highest quality and craftsmanship; the epitome of Arts and Crafts design.
We would stress the importance of the Middleton Wesleyan Church in the roll call of Arts and Crafts churches in Britain that present a harmonious entity of design of building structure, church fittings and decoration. St Mary the Virgin, Great Warley, All Saints, Brockhampton, St Andrew’s, Roker, St Martin’s, Blackheath, and St Sophia, Lower Kingswood – and most famously
– Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, Chelsea are amongst the few gems of the period.
Our collective experience of viewing Arts and Crafts buildings over a period of the twenty years of our Society’s existence and especially our knowledge of the wide-range of examples of Surrey’s Arts and Crafts buildings – by the famous names of the period – Lutyens, Voysey, Baillie-Scott and their pre-cursors GG Scott, GE Street, Norman Shaw and those less well known names such as Harrison Townsend, Thakeray Turner, Christopher Hatton Turnor or Alfred Powell, provide a platform from which the significance and quality of the work of Edgar Wood may be considered comparable with the best of the Arts and Crafts architects and his is one whose name should be better known.
It must be acknowledged that the Long Street School buildings, whilst having the advantage of retaining original features, face the challenge that some areas of the buildings are deteriorating in condition and may not meet modern requirements for facilities and services. The best way to safeguard this significant example of Middleton’s Arts and Crafts heritage is to ensure an on-going future use by the local community with restoration of the buildings for this purpose. Community use would be most appropriate, reflecting the historic use of the site and being more likely to involve fewer and more sympathetic changes to the buildings than other uses might require.
This seems a very worthwhile application, and well worth saving for the community of people in Middleton.
I support the application for restoration
I fully support the saving of these buildings so that they can be brought back into use by the community and appreciated for alll their historical and architectural importance.
We support the application to restore the edger woods building
I fully support this grant application. Edgar Wood and his buildings, especially historically important ones like Long Street Church and its adjoining school buildings are landmarks in Architectural History and deserve greater recognition. The school buildings should be restored and maintained by being brought back into life through community use, which will not only bring benefits to the people of Middleton but will help to raise the profile of Edgar Wood and his work.
I would like to add my support for this restoration project.
We fully support the application.
Gill & Trev Hayward
We fully support the application
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
As part of a wider community of conservation professionals who appreciate and value the Long Street Edgar Wood buildings, I support the application for grant to provide a viable future use for these buildings.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use
We loved the whole area. Please keep it going for all to enjoy. The volunteers have done a brilliant job.
The significance of Edgar Wood’s Middleton Wesleyan Church and Schools can hardly be overstated. It stands alongside his First Church of Christ Scientist in Fallowfield as the only remaining uncompromised example of his innovative and imaginative church architecture – and, wonderfully, Middleton retains all of its internal fittings. Wood’s leading role in the Northern Art Workers Guild indicates his importance in proselytizing Arts & Crafts ideas in Lancashire, and bringing freshness and originality to architectural design comparable with what was emerging meanwhile in London, Glasgow and Birmingham. The buildings at Middleton express a defiant, positive, progressive attitude amongst Methodists in Lancashire at the start of the 20th century which seems now both brave and inexplicable – yet which foreshadows in a way the “faith school” approach to education of more recent governments, integrating education and ethical values. And, on top of all that, it has some of the most beautiful Arts & Crafts glass in its doors, reminiscent of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is a jewel which must be treasured so that all can benefit from its magnificence. In architectural history terms, Middleton stands alongside a small group of Arts & Crafts ecclesiastical masterpieces which are only now – not a moment too soon – being recognised and appreciated for their importance in Britain’s cultural history: Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, Chelsea; All Saints, Brockhampton, Herefordshire; St Andrew’s, Roker; and Edward the Confessor, Kempley, Glos. I wholeheartedly support and commend the application to Viridor for a grant to help in its restoration.
Recently visited the work of Edgar Wood in Middleton with a group from the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey. All 24 in the group were most impressed with Long Street Church and Schools which are a fine example of his work. It is clear that a dedicated band of enthusiasts have put a huge amount of effort into doing what they can to preserve these buildings. However, it was also clear that much still needed to be done to help preserve them. We wholeheartedly support this grant application.
Nice to see a remarkable heritage building being saved rather than destroyed.
We fully support this grant application to Viridor in order to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton.
I fully support this great project and believe that this building could play even more of a strong part in our community.
I fully support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
We are standing at pivotal moments regarding our historical architectures and need to save building such as this. If we don’t we risk being condemned by future generation for our reckless disregard for precious things that quite simply can never be replaced.
To restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use seems like an excellent and viable reuse. Keeping the structures inhabited and used is vital for their long term survival and I support the grant application by Viridor.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I have been a committee member for the Edgar Wood Society since it’s formation, and have been a huge Edgar Wood fan since I was a child. His buildings are what makes me most proud to be from Middleton, they are a legacy of the most forward thinking, innovative and ground-breaking architect that this country has produced. He was a true pioneer with examples in one small town that pre-date the accepted thinking on both Art Deco and Art Nouveau design. Long Street School is a true Arts and Crafts wonder and this grant would be a wonderful way to help preserve this world-class complex.
We fully support this application to restore and to bring back into community use this masterpiece of Edgar Wood. Wood is to Middleton, Manchester and the northwest what Mackintosh is to Glasgow and Scotland and this project will help to ensure that his architectural legacy is preserved and is given the local and indeed national recognition it deserves
I support the application to restore this wonderful arts and crafts masterpiece for the local community and the nation.
Kerrie Melrose
Huddersfield
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support this grant project
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I wholeheartedly support this grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings, Long Street, Middleton, Manchester.
Our family have used these buildings for generations, they are an important part of our heritage and it is essential that they are preserved for future generations to be able to appreciate and see the wonderful architecture and historical value they hold.
A definite community asset to the town, with the opportunity for people to take part in local heritage, cultural, art events to name a few..
We support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
Unlike in the Home Counties, where the work of Arts and Crafts architects has long been valued, that of their equally talented colleagues in the North of England has been much less appreciated. Edgar Wood was probably the foremost pioneer of Arts and Crafts architecture in the North West and we must not miss the opportunity to conserve the Long Street complex, which is one of his most important works.
Barrie and Wendy Armstrong.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
This project will help revitalise a historic building and greatly benefit the local and wider community. A very worthwhile venture.
I support the grant application to Viridor to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
We support the grant application to viridor to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings at long Street Middleton . It is so important to retain this Arts and Crafts building .
Having served as the Area Manager North West and then the National Operations Manager for ENTRUST, the Government Appointed regulator of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, I would like to offer my support to this proposal.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I wholeheartedly support the application for this grant. As so much of our local heritage is sadly being lost as a horrific rate, whilst this wonderful building is loving looked after by volunteers. It is truly a jewel in Middleton’s crown and deserves to remain so, for generations to come.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for the restoration of the Edgar Wood School Buildings at Long Street Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
We support the grant application to Viridor for he restoration of the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be preserved and brought back into community use.
I absolutely support the project to restore this fabulous building. There is no way that a building as beautiful as this, with so much architectural importance should not be restored for future generations to appreciate.
I wholeheartedly support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use. Too many unique buildings are being left to rot or demolished when they could be restored for future generations to love and appreciate.
The Edgar Wood School and Church building is not only a loved, and an important piece of the architectural heritage of the area. It also offers an array of spaces of varying sizes which can cater for a wide range of community needs and requirements, space which is becoming hard to come by. I wholly support the restoration of this building for the people of this generation and the next.
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use
We as a Family offer our full support for the grant application to Viridor for the restoration of the Long Street School buildings, this an outstanding and well loved part of Edgar Wood’s Arts and Crafts heritage in Middleton and offers great potential for wider community use.
This project will help revitalise a historic building and greatly benefit the local and wider community. A very worthwhile venture.
The school at Long Street by Edgar Wood is without any pre-cursor. Ongoing research is showing that the building is unique not only in local circles but also in national and international circles in terms of it’s revolutionary style and approach. This building is perhaps the only material embodiment of a relationship formed between its architect Edgar Wood and the internationally renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Edgar Wood was an architectural ‘pop star’ of his day and there is growing recognition of a man whose body of work was celebrated in Hermann Muthesius’s Das Englische Haus.
The building has always served the community and its best chances of survival remain in such service.
Andy Marshall
Bury
Lancs
I totally agree that Long Street School should be restored for community use. There are fewer places that can host community and charity events that are suitable for all ages. I feel it would be used greatly. I would certainly use it for charity events as I am sure other local charities would.
Samantha Fahmy
Fundraising Secretary
Oldham Cats Rescue in Middleton
If the local architect’s school buildings (Edgar Wood) can’t be saved, that is a great shame. I support this grant project for this reason.
Also I remember going to youth club here, it’s a beautiful building it must be opened back to the community.
Best of luck
I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use. The design of the Church is architecturally fascinating and well deserving of preservation for future generations to appreciate the work of the great architect, Edgar Wood.
I strongly support the restoration of the school rooms at Long Street Methodist Church. I went Sunday School at Long Street and also progressed through the Cubs and Scouts. I was a member of the congregation and also participated in a number of activities in the various school rooms. The Church complex is a real masterpiece and is really worthy of saving for future generations.
Long Street school is of such local hisorical importance that i fully support the project to preserve it for future generations. To bring it back into use for the local community will be such a huge asset and legacy.
David Winder
Restoring the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton will enable members of the community to use and enjoy them. I therefore support the grant application to Viridor.
I would like to show my support of the work required to upgrade facilities at Long Street Methodist Church to a standard acceptable to allow the buildings to be brought back into community use and to help preserve the future of this important Grade II* listed building designed by Edgar Wood. As a local, I value our buildings of heritage and fully support the good work of the Arts and Crafts Trust.
My daughter was part of brownies and girl guides they would use that room for srt&craft badge work
I also support the grant application to viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood school buildings at
Long street Middleton so that it can be used by the community in and around Middleton.
Best Regards.
John Randles.
I totally support this grant project Long Street School is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece and should be loved and cared for so the whole community and future generations can benefit.
Susan Lally
Rochdale, Lancashire
I wholeheartedly support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I went to Sunday School at Edgar Wood’s Long Street school so, as a former member of the congregation at the Methodist Church who also got married there, I have a strong connection with the building.
To see it used to its full potential would be an asset to the community of my old hometown.
I consider Edgar Wood to be one of the most important Arts & Crafts architects of the north of England. His work is important nationally and internationally. His design and deal work is on a par with Baillie Scott and Guy Dawber in my opinion. To lose this important building would be tragedy in terms of architectural loss and community use. I hope that it can be retained, loved and used as it was intended and that Manchester recognises and retains this important heritage asset.
Neil Quinn (former Manchester resident and Architect)
BA Hons Arch Dip Arch ARB RIBA IHBC
Edgar Wood’s reputation as one of the country’s outstanding arts and crafts architects is well established- and well deserved. I support the protection of his work.
Barry Joyce MBE, Dip Arch, MSc conservation.
Edgar Wood reputation as one of the outstanding arts and crafts architects is well established- and well deserved. I support the protection of his work.
Barry Joyce MBE, Dip Arch, MSc conservation.
Buildings such as this are vital to the history of the arts & crafts movement. I support the grant application to Viridor for to restore the Edgar Wood School buildings at Long Street, Middleton so that they can be brought back into community use.
I would be very interested in hearing if any future news & development
I gave my support by email, saying
“I would like to express my support for the restoration of Long Street
School.
I have visited the school and neighboring church before to see the
unusual architecture, and was fascinated by the design and history.
Edgar Wood is an architect that Middleton should be really proud of, and
the architecture, while beautiful and important, is also very calming
and non-threatening. I think these things make it a great venue for
community use.
Kind Regards
Anna Morris
Clitheroe, Lancashire”
I enthusiastically support this grant project. Long Street School is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece that is lovingly cared for by a team of volunteers. It has great potential for community, heritage and cultural events.
David Morris
Blackburn, Lancashire
Congratulations everyone for such a successful day and all the work that went into it. I wish I could have been there, so thanks also for such a detailed post.
Great to see the first Golden Cluster visitors having such a good time. Well done to all the volunteers. David M.
Congratulations to Christine for her nomination – the importance of the contributions both she and husband Geoff have made to Middleton’s heritage cannot be emphasized enough. It has never gone unnoticed by those that have had the pleasure of working with them, and this nomination was a very well-deserved recognition for the effort put in!
The garden looks as if keeps you fit and healthy!
There is still a long way to go! David
Hi Carolyn,
We’ll email you back shortly.
Best wishes,
David
I am arranging a tour of Manchester for the Arts and Crafts Movement in Surrey in September 2016. We are a specialist group interested in everything to do with the Arts and Crafts movement. On Thursday, 15th, we are having a tour of the Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road. I would like to go to the First Church of Christ Scientist on Daisy Bank before this but have no contact details. Do you have any, please? On Wednesday 14th September, we will have a coach and will be going to the church at Marple and Bramhall in the afternoon. In the morning, I wondered if we could do a visit to Middleton to see the exhibition and key buildings. Would you be able to advise and help with this? How long would we need? I look forward to your reply.
Hallo
My daughter lives at 24 Mount Road Alkrington Middleton in an Edgar Wood property but it isnt featured on this website.
I’ve been looking at references to The Lodge and Lodge St in the Middleton Guardian. I presume The Lodge is the first property, now a chicken bar?
Do you have any photos of your gran’s house and what was her name?
I think you’re correct about it being a lodge to the Hall. The main driveway was from Market Place and as the town was developed, Old Hall St seemed to become the new entrance; but this would be short lived because a few years later, the Hall was demolished 1845) and Dronsfield’s mill was built on the site. This was later destroyed by a fire and the Albany was built in its place.
Geoff
The research of the old boundary is fascinating.
I would just like to mention that my grandmother lived on Lodge Street during the late 30’s early 40’s, and this house was always referred to in the family as the Lodge. Could this have been connected to Middleton Hall?
Why is there no mention on this site of the Edgar Wood Drinking Fountain at Birch in Hopwood?
Rochdale Council have been constantly been lobbied for its Restoration and Relocation since 1996
Many thanks, I’ll pass this on.
David
Hi
My great Uncle William Percy Patchett was kindly remembered by Leslie Richardson in a scroll with his details. Is Mr Richardson part of your group? I am in Australia and wished to thank him for his kind gesture. My great Uncle sadly died just toward the end of the war, having fought through much of the worst of it. My Grandmother never really got over his loss. He was gone before my mother was born and so of course we now have very little information about him.
If Mr Richardson is in your group, would you kindly convey my thanks.
Shirley Mac Donald
Sydney
Australia