Ashton under Lyne Mechanics Institution

The 19th century saw the development of educational facilities for the adult working class as well as for children. The most prominent groups associated with the provision of adult education were the mechanics’ institutes. There was a desire among the working class to improve their educational and technical knowledge. It also acted as a recreational outlet which enabled the working class to get away from their hard factory jobs. Purpose built mechanics’ institute were constructed in Tameside during the 1800’s in Stalybridge, Mossley Hyde, Droylsden, Buckton Vale and Ashton-Under-Lyne.

The Ashton under Lyne Mechanics’ Institution, founded in 1825, was supported by leading cotton spinning families and several medical men. It was originally known as the Ashton and Dukinfield Mechanics’ Institute. Apathy amongst the membership soon set in and between 1831 and 1833 it was moved from Ashton to Dukinfield. Prominent early supporters included the MP Charles Hindley. The typical services provided by the mechanics’ institution included classrooms, a library and a lecture room, as well as teachers and guest speakers. It was not until the 1840s that the membership grew and a library was added.

Ashton Mechanics’ Institution opened in 1862 on Church Street, the land belonging to Stamford and Warrington estate. It is large brick building with stone decorative flourishes.

Classes providing a general education and work-specific skills were held in the evenings, giving working-class people an opportunity to improve themselves. Musical and cultural events also took place there.

The Institution closed in 1904 and was taken over by the local council.

During World War 1, the building was used as a Military Hospital.
From 1928 it reverted back to educational purposes, providing special classes for the grammar school and Heginbottom Modern Girls School.

In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the building was used for Tameside Adult Education classes.

The building now houses luxury apartments.

Brown Plaque unveiled by Councillor Jacqueline Lane JP,
Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture,
on 10 September 2015.

 

Acknowledgements

The assistance of the following are greatly acknowledged

Joanne Gibson – Switch Properties.
Christine Clough, Alan Rose, Heather Brown and members of
Tameside Local History Forum.