The Town Hall Manchester

Completed in 1887, this impressive neo-Gothic building cost a million pounds and is acknowledged as a masterpiece in its own right. It rises as a Victorian edifice to the civic pride of the city fathers, reaching 286 feet above Albert Square below. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, a leading contemporary architect, it was fitted masterfully onto an awkward triangular space - although not unanimously liked as the best looking design, it proved the most practical of the 136 other designs entered. Manchester had achieved city status in 1853, and was keen to show off its civic dignity. Inside it is lavishly and richly decorated, with mosaic floors bearing the "bees", symbols of Manchester's industry, and has wall murals by Ford Madox Brown. At the front main entrance, a statue of the Roman Governor, Agricola, surveys the square. He had founded the original fort of Mamuciam, from which the city began, and is thus honoured by a statue over the main front entrance to the Town Hall.
The building dominates Albert Square, with its monument to Queen Victoria's consort, and statues of some of Manchester's great men. The square has now been largely pedestrianised and regularly serves as a venue for local events, celebrations, street fairs, Christmas funfairs, etc - much in the way medieval market squares might have done in years gone by. Guided Tours of the Town Hall are available by prior arrangement - sadly they are no longer free. Tours can be arranged through the Manchester Visitor Centre in person or by telephone: 0161-941 7260.One of the highlights of the tour is the Great Hall with its 12 large murals by Ford Madox Brown, the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter. Also see the tile mosaic work, the vaulted corridors and the three stone spiral staircases. The Town Hall demonstrates Waterhouse's genius in not only exterior detailing, but internal style and decor. The visitor is guided up to the first floor by one of the three great spiral staircases. Internally, a distinct sense of medievalism prevails, with hammerbeam ceilings, vaulted dark corridors lit by a large number of pointed Gothic windows. Externally, the building is decorated with carved images representing important figures in the city's history. It is well worth taking one of the guided tours so that none of the wealth of detail is missed.