Detail from 1849 OS map. Note extensive parade ground compared to station.
Ardwick: C Division
Fairfield Street
Feb 21st 1843 WC resolved that a substantial Police Station is required for the C Division in the neighbourhood of London Road on Fairfield St and to purchase the land.
June 3rd 1843 Tender accepted of Messrs Mellor and Greenhalgh to erect the new station at £525. Contracts drawn.
July 27th 1843 Chief rent request turned down, The tithe records to be examined and the freehold to be purchased over 3 years at £1616.
Oct 26th 1843 WC concern over the slow building progress and Town Clerk to write to threaten legal action.
Oct 31st 1845 Purchase of the land at £1367 from Mr Crompton interest at 5%. Chief rent of £11.5.1 [requires clarification by W.C as to why]
May 7th 1846 Requirement for lighting in the cells.
April 29th 1849 After 6 years Messer’s Mellor and Greenhalgh seek £50 to pay for gas and water fittings installed over and above the original tender.
1850 Slater’s Police Station Temperance Hall then Police Station [inbound left side]
June 12th 1856 C.Cs report concerning local feeling for a P.S near to Ardwick Green (Green Lane) as a sub-station for inhabitants and minor cases not felonies requiring a Supt and a principal station. 24 arrested nearer to Ardwick Green than Fairfield St but CC and Supt Saynor do not feel need for a station at this time. Returned to Ardwick Committee.
Nov 13th 1856 To widen the benches in the cells.
Sept 8th 1858 Now in need of repairs after 15yrs.
March 15th 1860 Gas Street Vans to be placed in the yard to afford increased facilities for the stoppage of the escape of gas.
April 12th 1860 Heating apparatus in the cells has been very unsatisfactory and on the last few days had to discontinue its usage.
1863 Slater’s Police Stations: Supt. Thomas Anderton
Sept 1863 HMIC Inspection reveals: Fairfield Street PS cells unsuitable for repair due to their position and defective ventilation
Oct 17th 1867 Following the death of Sgt Brett in the ‘Fenian Outrage’ the LUSC ordered to make arrangements to secure the stations by:- Plating the doors in iron, wrought iron bars to windows.
29 Sept 1869 HMIC Inspection reveals: 4 large cells, no rooms for lodging accommodation
29 Sept 1870 HMIC Inspection: Fairfield street cells inadequate and objectionable in construction in being too far from the reserve officer to prevent the requisite supervision.
Jan 4th 1872 Offer of sale of Temperance Hall next to station £1050
Feb 6th 1873 Auth to buy land adjoining site for £1,000 at chief rent of £27.
Oct 30th 1873 Temporary accommodation required for officers during rebuilding of Fairfield St.
March 23rd 1876 Drilling of 33rd Lancs (2nd M/cr) Rifle Volunteers Mon – Fri evenings approved.
