Nostalgia

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An example of an Edgar Wood design – houses on Rochdale Road
An example of an Edgar Wood design – houses on Rochdale Road
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In retrospect


26/ 6/2008

This week we have picked selected areas in the town to compare contemporary images and how they looked in days gone by.

Some however remain untouched by the passage of time. Some months ago a postcard arrived from a solicitor in Durham, depicting two houses, thought to be in Middleton. On close examination we identified them as being built on Rochdale Road. It is thought that Edgar Wood had photographed the new houses and used the card example of his work to show other clients.

We are proud of our local architect, who has left a legacy of buildings within the town today. In 1906 when he had completed the Church of Christ Scientist in Manchester and the Wesleyan Church at Long Street, Builder magazine stated, ‘architecturally the buildings are of uncommon interest’. The review also states that the Middleton church, which seats 550 persons has, ‘green stained pitch pine benches’ and cost £10,000 to build.

Edgar Wood made drawings and sketches of wood carving in his spare time. He spent time in St Leonard’s church sketching the oak carvings. At his studio in Long Street he taught the youth of Middleton the art of wood carving. In 1890 he exhibited a selection of items of delicate carvings that his pupils had created. The workmanship was of the highest quality which inspired H H Mellalieu JP of Stanicliffe House to offer £5-5 shillings in prize money. Wood did not deem it advisable to award more than 30 shillings (£1-50p). First prize of 10s (50p) was awarded to Frank Collinge for his carved panel, music frame, casket and overmantle. T P Fothergill took second place 7/6d (37p) with his mirror frame. Harry Entwistle was awarded 5s (25p) for his pair of carved panels.

Edgar also had a love of the arts. He had painted a number of pictures which are collected today by townsfolk. Once in Oldham he was keen to sketch the pictures that were on display in an exhibition. He asked for permission, but the gallery informed him that he would have to seek permission from the owners in Kensington. I am unable to find any information if he was ever given permission.

This newspaper had confidence in Woods’ abilities. When a new building was required at Market Place, Wood was given the contract to draw up the plans for the Guardian’s new publishing and printing works. Local builders Messrs E Partington & Son were entrusted to carry out the building work.

Also at Market Place, Wood won the contract to draw up plans and specifications for the proposed new building for the Manchester and County Banking Co. On 18 June 1890 all the workers, together with architect Wood, contractor for the masons, Samual Grundy, and the contractors were treated to a meal at the Masons Arms, Market Place. The meal consisted of beef, mutton, lamb, green peas etc. After the feast one worker said: "Every working chap ought to have a feed like that at least once a week."

Recently a question came into the Bygone days office: ‘Where did the name ‘Nowster’ come from?" The Nowster is named after the curfew bell that stands in the Parish Church, it was rung every night at 9.50pm to warn the youth of the town to return home, ‘Now stir yourself’.

The Nowster on Oldham Road replaced the Lamb Inn, which was originally a provision shop and beerhouse. In 1900 when Joseph Knight ran the business it was decided to give up the grocery side. Leonard Howarth was the last landlord of the Lamb Inn when it was demolished and replaced by today’s hostelry. Leonard left the Nowster in 1971.

- IF anyone has any sketches drawn by Edgar Wood, and would like to share them with Bygone days please ring 0161 643 3615


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   The history of The Lamb Inn was very interesting.I lived next door but one in what was one a row of Loom Houses. The front door opened up on to the lounge which was a normal size. To the right was a small room for cloaks and stairs, at the back of which was a pantry with stone slab and hooks in the ceiling to hang meat from. There was 3 bedrooms upstairs.

The kitchen went the full length of the house and was about 25ft x 12ft. This is where the loom would have been. In the corner was a coal fired boiler.The rent in 1957 was 8|-(40p) a week.

B Partington.
Bengy, Barnsley
27/06/2008 at 18:09
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