Listed Building record MDR13573 - Victoria Hall, Fauvel Road, Glossop

Victoria Hall, Fauvel Road, Glossop, built in 1887. The Public Hall and Free Library at Glossop was the gift of H Rhodes, of Thorncliffe Hall, Hollingworth, and Captain Partington, of Easton, Glossop, who each contributed £2000 towards its erection. It is situated at the corner or Fauvel Street and Talbot Street, on a site presented by Lord Howard. The style of architecture is light and pleasing, resembling the late Gothic work erected during the reign of James I. The front is octagonal, and from one side rises a tower, with pinnacles at each corner and a slated spire. The external walls are faced with parpoints, and the quoins, labels and strings are surmounted by a very fine parapet in ashlar work. The library and reading room on the ground floor is a large apartment, measuring 72 feet by 36 feet, is well-lighted, and fitted throughout in pitchpine. Above is the Public Hall, capable of accommodating upwards of 1000 people. This building is one of a number that were given to the town in commemoration of the jubilee of Queen Victoria, and the memorial stones were laid on the 30th July 1887. (1) From the National Heritage List for England: 'GLOSSOP SK0394 TALBOT STREET 921-1/10/31 (West side) Victoria Hall and Public Library II Concert hall and public library. 1887. Coursed rock-faced millstone grit with ashlar dressings and Welsh slate roofs with coped gables and kneelers. STYLE: Gothic Revival. PLAN: cruciform plan, the main range containing library to ground and hall to first floor, with entrances in east and west wings that to east with bell tower. EXTERIOR: 2 Storeys. Chamfered plinth and chamfered sill bands. Square east bell tower has steps and ramp to 4-centred arch doorway in moulded ashlar surround with double panel doors and overlight, flanked by single dated foundation stones, above 2 single light windows and rectangular plaque with coat-of-arms inscribed:- 'Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough/ Virtus, Veritas et Libertas.' Above again single pointed arch bell opening to each face with tracery and louvres. Topped quatrefoil parapet, projecting corner pinnacles with ball finials and square spire with finial and lucarnes. Main north front has 5 window canted apsidal end with 4 window sides, divided by single storey pilasters topped with ball finials. Blind quatrefoil panels between floors, topped with blind arcaded and coped parapet. Side windows single light, apsidal windows paired in chamfered surrounds with dividing mullion. Central bay topped by pedimented gable with ball finial and escutcheon inscribed:- 'Public Library Glossop' To west entrance to Victoria Hall similar to east entrance with 2 similar windows above topped with gable. Remaining elevations with similar detailing, basement level apparent to rear south facade. INTERIOR: has main entrance hall with glazed tiles bearing heraldic motif and inscription. Tower contains staircase to first floor hall. Opposing entrance from west with wooden staircase. Ground floor library retains moulded architraves to panelled doors and engaged pilasters support encased wide beams. Plastered and painted. Built to commemorated Queen Victoria's Jubilee, donated by H Rhodes and Capt Partington, foundation stones laid 30 July 1887. Listing NGR: SK0341294423.' (2)