Newton St: new open facade from early 1900s
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Rear yard showing mortuary and dog kennels and the surrounding wall
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Manchester City Surveyors Plans 1900-1910 photocopy held at GMP Museum & Archive: Old Police Buildings.
Newton Street Charge office and cells from the rear of the building showing the 1900s refit after the Weights and Measures were removed from the Town Hall to the front section of the building. A upper parade room was added above the cells (barred windows) along with a kitchen and doctors room. Note the change from hand made 1879 bricks below the new 1900 bricks in the central photograph. Of note is that the 12' wall and gate (as seen in the upper right hand picture) rising to the first floor level stone plinth surrounded the rear yard has been removed. The small building in the corner was the station mortuary. The dog kennels can just be seen on the right. The main entrance to the police station section was still on Faraday Street (previously Friday Street) as seen on the left of the top picture. The blue door from the rear yard leads directly into the charge office.
Manchester City: A Division
Watch Committee Minutes : Newton Street
Newton Street
July 18th 1873 Auxiliary PS for A Div. Very eligible plot on corner Newton St and Friday St £30 chief rent and 750 {sq] yds plus 400 yds of cottages.
Oct 2nd 1873 Land at Newton St offered at £5,697.6.7d and approved to buy.
April 8th 1874 Design submitted for Newton St by City Surveyor.
Nov 25th 1875 City Surveyor to prepare estimate of cost for purchase of land and erection of new PS over ext year. T. Clerk to obtain loan at 3.5% under 38 & 39 Vic c. 89 [Public Loans Act 1875]
Jan 11th 1877 Tenders sought
Feb 22 1877 Mr Frogett at £6,145 approved.
May 16th 1878 Complaint re ‘Friday St property’ Mr Oxford states the new building will interfere with the light of his Mill. To stop the build on that side of the street. An offer for the street to be stopped.
Oct 17th 1878 Delays from 10th Jan to Mid March 1878.
July 22nd 1880 Heating of the upper room required.
Aug 5th 1880 Heating upper room by 3” pipe around room under seating.
29 Sept 1880 HMIC Inspection report: A new sub-station has been built for the A Division in Newton street conatining a charge office and other offices with a parade room for the men and nine cells for prisoners.
Oct 7th 1880 Chief rent at £39.9.3d. Declined to buy this out at £971 but acquired for £947.
May 20th 1886 Valuation of LUSC properties in accordance with the resolution of the Committee Standing Order of the Council. £11,327
Sept 5th 1889 Survey of Stations owned outright for insurance purposes £3,000.
Jan 3rd 1890 To ask City Surveyor to enquire about placing ‘principles’ [roof supports] on adjoining property to carry roof to protect the street barriers.
May 27th 1890 Covering over yard for the purposes of storing barriers and paid 1/- to adjoining premises for principles.
July 24th 1890 Roofing over portion of rear yard £343
Dec 31st 1890 New ambulance to be made to suit the doors at the station.
July 23rd 1891 Twinquennial valuation of properties owned by the W.C only: £10,354.
July 30th 1891 Painting £29.
April 20th 1893 Roof over the cell has rain penetration as present concrete covering unsatisfactory.
July 7th 1893 Chief rent for sale at auction which raises £5.6.4½d.
1895 Slater’s Friday Street: A Division Inspector, James Hartley & Joshua Sykes
21st May 1896 Quinquennial Valuation and Inventory of Furniture of properties of the WC.
£9,940.0.0. £69.4.4
23rd Dec 1897 Snowboards on the gutters in a dilapidated state and need repair.
19th May 1898 City Surveyor to be instructed to obtain an estimate of the cost of fixing of glass fanlights instead of perforated iron ones at the various police stations. [believed this is to the cell doors such as Fairfield St PS] Tender £126
25th Aug 1898 New cell benches £63 Mr John Riley in accordance with city surveyor.
27th Sept 1898 Chief Constable Peacock’s report re police stations: [see separate personnel page]
Closure of following stations except for prisoners in emergency – Newton St, Fairfield St, Lowe St, Brook St, Ashton Old Road, Belle Vue Street.
To build new Div station at Mill St Bradford near Hyde Rd Redgate St to replace Lowe St PS and Belle Vue St PS.
The cells at the Minshull St Police Courts to be utilised at the London Rd end of C Division instead of the accommodation at Newton St.
Weights and Measures to be transferred to Albert St or Newton St.
Police HQ to be removed to the Town Hall from Albert St.
Police strength to be reduced from 1037 to 1000.
29th Sept 1898 LUSC and C.Cons to confer as to arrangement in regard to the closure of Newton St PS and the removal of the prisoners and the keys to Minshull Street Courts and power allowed to deal therewith as they may think fit.
8th Oct 1898 Mcr Guardian letter from an ‘architect’ expressing outrage about the closing of one of the finest police stations -
...the best planned and best built police station in England. The main block which Mt Lynde called the ‘citadel’ is designed on the only true principle for a police station – namely no openings except the door towards the street so that in case of a riot it could be held by a few police officers against a mob'.
July 18th 1873 Auxiliary PS for A Div. Very eligible plot on corner Newton St and Friday St £30 chief rent and 750 {sq] yds plus 400 yds of cottages.
Oct 2nd 1873 Land at Newton St offered at £5,697.6.7d and approved to buy.
April 8th 1874 Design submitted for Newton St by City Surveyor.
Nov 25th 1875 City Surveyor to prepare estimate of cost for purchase of land and erection of new PS over ext year. T. Clerk to obtain loan at 3.5% under 38 & 39 Vic c. 89 [Public Loans Act 1875]
Jan 11th 1877 Tenders sought
Feb 22 1877 Mr Frogett at £6,145 approved.
May 16th 1878 Complaint re ‘Friday St property’ Mr Oxford states the new building will interfere with the light of his Mill. To stop the build on that side of the street. An offer for the street to be stopped.
Oct 17th 1878 Delays from 10th Jan to Mid March 1878.
July 22nd 1880 Heating of the upper room required.
Aug 5th 1880 Heating upper room by 3” pipe around room under seating.
29 Sept 1880 HMIC Inspection report: A new sub-station has been built for the A Division in Newton street conatining a charge office and other offices with a parade room for the men and nine cells for prisoners.
Oct 7th 1880 Chief rent at £39.9.3d. Declined to buy this out at £971 but acquired for £947.
May 20th 1886 Valuation of LUSC properties in accordance with the resolution of the Committee Standing Order of the Council. £11,327
Sept 5th 1889 Survey of Stations owned outright for insurance purposes £3,000.
Jan 3rd 1890 To ask City Surveyor to enquire about placing ‘principles’ [roof supports] on adjoining property to carry roof to protect the street barriers.
May 27th 1890 Covering over yard for the purposes of storing barriers and paid 1/- to adjoining premises for principles.
July 24th 1890 Roofing over portion of rear yard £343
Dec 31st 1890 New ambulance to be made to suit the doors at the station.
July 23rd 1891 Twinquennial valuation of properties owned by the W.C only: £10,354.
July 30th 1891 Painting £29.
April 20th 1893 Roof over the cell has rain penetration as present concrete covering unsatisfactory.
July 7th 1893 Chief rent for sale at auction which raises £5.6.4½d.
1895 Slater’s Friday Street: A Division Inspector, James Hartley & Joshua Sykes
21st May 1896 Quinquennial Valuation and Inventory of Furniture of properties of the WC.
£9,940.0.0. £69.4.4
23rd Dec 1897 Snowboards on the gutters in a dilapidated state and need repair.
19th May 1898 City Surveyor to be instructed to obtain an estimate of the cost of fixing of glass fanlights instead of perforated iron ones at the various police stations. [believed this is to the cell doors such as Fairfield St PS] Tender £126
25th Aug 1898 New cell benches £63 Mr John Riley in accordance with city surveyor.
27th Sept 1898 Chief Constable Peacock’s report re police stations: [see separate personnel page]
Closure of following stations except for prisoners in emergency – Newton St, Fairfield St, Lowe St, Brook St, Ashton Old Road, Belle Vue Street.
To build new Div station at Mill St Bradford near Hyde Rd Redgate St to replace Lowe St PS and Belle Vue St PS.
The cells at the Minshull St Police Courts to be utilised at the London Rd end of C Division instead of the accommodation at Newton St.
Weights and Measures to be transferred to Albert St or Newton St.
Police HQ to be removed to the Town Hall from Albert St.
Police strength to be reduced from 1037 to 1000.
29th Sept 1898 LUSC and C.Cons to confer as to arrangement in regard to the closure of Newton St PS and the removal of the prisoners and the keys to Minshull Street Courts and power allowed to deal therewith as they may think fit.
8th Oct 1898 Mcr Guardian letter from an ‘architect’ expressing outrage about the closing of one of the finest police stations -
...the best planned and best built police station in England. The main block which Mt Lynde called the ‘citadel’ is designed on the only true principle for a police station – namely no openings except the door towards the street so that in case of a riot it could be held by a few police officers against a mob'.
1st Dec 1898 LUSC: Property missing and leaves taken out of the property book. Sub-committee appointed to investigate.
8th Dec 1898 Special Committee report: Missing leaves in the property book going back to 1894 believed to concern money not forwarded to the Treasurer. Lapse procedures with money retained for long periods. Insp. Buckley (now Supt) and Insp. Sykes called to account.
15th Dec 1898 Land adjacent to Newton St PS – adaptability of the above site for the purpose of a frie station.
26th Jan 1899 LUSC: Account of work at Newton St PS – to settle with the contractor.
31st Jan 1899 Plan of the Chief Fire Station at Newton Street considered.
31st Jan 1899 Offer of shop, warehouses and cellars of No’s 23-37 Hilton St Stevenson Square and also 6 cottages No’s 2-12 Bradley’s Court behind the above and dwelling house at 53 Newton St, from R. Stower and Sons. £7,500 sale with £70.3.1 chief rent.
9th Feb 1899 LUSC: Closing of Newton St PS – recommends to alter the basement of the City Police Courts as well so as to render the same suitable for the reception of prisoners. Agreed to purchase the land for £7,500
9th March 1899 LUSC: their offer to buy Little Lever St and Newton St warehouse at £3,100 and £2,100 was not accepted by the agent Mr Hibbert. His letter indicates the owners will not return until the end of May and he requests an abeyance. Resolution to adjourn.
23.March 1899 Purchase of land at Newton Street for £7,000, 813 ¾ sq yds plus £11.16.6 for covenant to William Bradley previous owner and also affect premises in direction of Friday St PS. Covenant provides buildings shall not be of height less than ten yards.
27th April 1899 Town Clerk report: an agreement to purchase the land at Hilton St Bradley’s Court and Newton St is conditional on its approval by the Local Government Board on an application for borrowing £7,050
3rd Aug 1899 Newton St PS to be reopened for the reception of prisoners and the deposit of keys and the use of the premises in the basement of the City Courts to be discontinued.
10th Aug 1899 The [new] Chief Fire Officer is of the opinion that Newton St site is unsuitable for a Chief Fire Station. Resolution for the CFO to present a report giving the quantity of land required for housing of men, horses and engines including the disadvantages of the Newton St site.
14th Sept 1899 CFO report submitted to the WC members.
1st March 1900 LUSC: Regarding the Chief Constable’s report to Mr McCabe and a request for more details.
‘In response to making another report. If the Committee were to put their energies into putting Newton Street and the C Division stations into proper order they would have sufficient work on hand for the present’.
This comment by the new Chief Constable is most strongly worded and indicates a certain annoyance at the constant changes affecting the Newton Street site. It was not for Chief Constable Peacock to question his Watch Committee as he was fully accountable to them and they held sway over all police promotions and dismissals including his own. However his desire to rationalise the force can be seen with his and Supt Caminada's reports. Matters would come to ahead within a few years as the Chief Constable took legal action against a certain members the W.C for defamation when he opposes their protection of licensees - see ODNB entry on Sir Robert Peacock.
1st March 1900 Sub committee of the WC to confer with the Weights and Measures and Tramways Sub committee with a view to the satisfactory utilisation of the Newton St site for the Police, Weights and Measures and tramways purposes.
8th March 1900 Special Sub- committee re Newton St site: Request to include in the next Omnibus Bill a request to compulsory purchase of the warehouse adjoining Newton St PS. City Surveyor to draw up plans for its use by Weights and Measures and Lock-Up departments on this site.
29th March 1900 Purchase of the Hilton St site approved for £7,000.
29th March 1900 LUSC: The substitution of a self acting w.c in lieu of those provided in the cells of the various police stations.
16th Aug 1900 Manchester Corporation Act 1901 – clause inserted to authorise purchase of land adjourning Newton St PS.
18th Oct 1900 Regarding the condition of the yards at Bradley Court: Useless to spend any money on this site as due for demolition.
25th Oct 1900 Offer of sale of 22 Little Lever Street and 55 Newton St to WC for £3,218 and £2,144 respectively.
6th Dec 1900 Sale of land decided by the Fire Brigade at Hilton Street.
1901 Caminada’s report details that the Goulden Street , Albert Street and Newton Street PS could be closed if the Town Hall was used as a central lock-up.
14th Feb 1901 Boiler worn out. New wrought iron dome topped one to be substituted. New brick work £20.
15th May 1901 Quinquennial Valuations: Newton St PS £10,009.
15th May 1901 Quinquennial Valuations: Land and Property fronting Newton St Hilton St and Little Lever St £7,050.
1st Aug 1901 Sanitary Department Superintendent complaint re the land adjacent to Newton St PS. The cottages would if private property have had to have drastic measures taken, so the W.C should make them fit or close them.
14th Nov 1901 Hilton St and Newton St: for the Sub-committee to carry out the matters instructed over last year. A request received from the owners of property Newton St and Little Lever St asking that now the Act has been passed do the W.C wish to buy the properties. Sanitary Dept conditions would require £49.10s to repair the properties at Newton St.
Resolved that the Council are not able to entertain the purchase of the Newton St and Little Lever St properties and that Newton Street [properties] to be kept until Spring 1902 and then to be sold with other properties of the Improvement Committee. Deemed not suitable to sell the Newton St properties by auction.
13th Feb 1902 Conversion of a portion of Newton St PS into a Weights and Measures Office.
City Surveyor T.de Courcy Meade provides two rough sketches showing how a portion of Newton St PS might be utilised for the purposes of the Weights and Measures dated 11th February 1902.
Schedule A:
The basement under the cells used for store cellars and heating purposes.
The police kitchen under the new charge office for the use of the police station.
An area of 60’x52’ on the ground floor utilised as workshops and offices [currently the Transport, Main and CID galleries of the GMP Museum.]
First floor for [W&M] offices and men’s mess room with connection corridor and w.c.
[Front] Elevation will remain as at present with exception of breaking out for windows and door openings.
Schedule B: Basement used for storage and the ground floor will contain two large workshops men’s and mess rooms and office.
There will be four offices and a w.c on the first floor.
The elevation similar to schedule A.
This is an interesting quotation as clearly the front elevation from the two attached photographs changes dramatically not only with the windows but in overall size and shape. However without the detailed plans it is not possible to verify this point at this stage. It would appear that schedule B offered more scope for this change.
20th March 1902 The City Surveyor sketch plans for the alterations of Newton St PS:
Offices and workshops for the Weights and Measures - £1,500
Parade room erected over the cells - £ 500
City Surveyor’s Total - £2,000
Later tender received for - £3,399
27th March 1902 The Newton Street plans approved [presumed Sch B for work described]
29th May 1902 The sale of the Newton St area for £8,500 to include Hilton St, Newton St and Bradley Court site of original cost £7,673.
6th Nov 1902 Plans by Mr Riley for the new cell benches and W.C drainage which were stopped for alteration for the new offices for the weights and Measures now ready for five of the cells at £41.
3rd Dec 1903 A spiral staircase to the mess rooms and lavatories on the first floor to be installed £30.
When the GMP Museum first opened in 1980 just before the station closed operationally,the Curator Mr Broady noted the existence of this staircase in the far corner of the Transport gallery where the lift is now situated. It was of reduced head height and led to the upstairs toilet bypassing the main staircase from the front door and the upstairs offices and corridor. Presumably to reduce the movement of examiners/ traders through the offices. It is now housing in the entrance lobby.
2012 Building and street remain after 133 years. Building retained by GMP as a museum with some original features. See the Home' page for web link. The below Google map shows the adjoining block to the south west of the museum of Hilton St and Bradley court to which the W.C were interested for a Chief Fire Station.
I have included a button link to the excellent Our Manchester website which has more information on the
GMP Museum and Archive and numerous other Manchester buildings besides.
8th Dec 1898 Special Committee report: Missing leaves in the property book going back to 1894 believed to concern money not forwarded to the Treasurer. Lapse procedures with money retained for long periods. Insp. Buckley (now Supt) and Insp. Sykes called to account.
15th Dec 1898 Land adjacent to Newton St PS – adaptability of the above site for the purpose of a frie station.
26th Jan 1899 LUSC: Account of work at Newton St PS – to settle with the contractor.
31st Jan 1899 Plan of the Chief Fire Station at Newton Street considered.
31st Jan 1899 Offer of shop, warehouses and cellars of No’s 23-37 Hilton St Stevenson Square and also 6 cottages No’s 2-12 Bradley’s Court behind the above and dwelling house at 53 Newton St, from R. Stower and Sons. £7,500 sale with £70.3.1 chief rent.
9th Feb 1899 LUSC: Closing of Newton St PS – recommends to alter the basement of the City Police Courts as well so as to render the same suitable for the reception of prisoners. Agreed to purchase the land for £7,500
9th March 1899 LUSC: their offer to buy Little Lever St and Newton St warehouse at £3,100 and £2,100 was not accepted by the agent Mr Hibbert. His letter indicates the owners will not return until the end of May and he requests an abeyance. Resolution to adjourn.
23.March 1899 Purchase of land at Newton Street for £7,000, 813 ¾ sq yds plus £11.16.6 for covenant to William Bradley previous owner and also affect premises in direction of Friday St PS. Covenant provides buildings shall not be of height less than ten yards.
27th April 1899 Town Clerk report: an agreement to purchase the land at Hilton St Bradley’s Court and Newton St is conditional on its approval by the Local Government Board on an application for borrowing £7,050
3rd Aug 1899 Newton St PS to be reopened for the reception of prisoners and the deposit of keys and the use of the premises in the basement of the City Courts to be discontinued.
10th Aug 1899 The [new] Chief Fire Officer is of the opinion that Newton St site is unsuitable for a Chief Fire Station. Resolution for the CFO to present a report giving the quantity of land required for housing of men, horses and engines including the disadvantages of the Newton St site.
14th Sept 1899 CFO report submitted to the WC members.
1st March 1900 LUSC: Regarding the Chief Constable’s report to Mr McCabe and a request for more details.
‘In response to making another report. If the Committee were to put their energies into putting Newton Street and the C Division stations into proper order they would have sufficient work on hand for the present’.
This comment by the new Chief Constable is most strongly worded and indicates a certain annoyance at the constant changes affecting the Newton Street site. It was not for Chief Constable Peacock to question his Watch Committee as he was fully accountable to them and they held sway over all police promotions and dismissals including his own. However his desire to rationalise the force can be seen with his and Supt Caminada's reports. Matters would come to ahead within a few years as the Chief Constable took legal action against a certain members the W.C for defamation when he opposes their protection of licensees - see ODNB entry on Sir Robert Peacock.
1st March 1900 Sub committee of the WC to confer with the Weights and Measures and Tramways Sub committee with a view to the satisfactory utilisation of the Newton St site for the Police, Weights and Measures and tramways purposes.
8th March 1900 Special Sub- committee re Newton St site: Request to include in the next Omnibus Bill a request to compulsory purchase of the warehouse adjoining Newton St PS. City Surveyor to draw up plans for its use by Weights and Measures and Lock-Up departments on this site.
29th March 1900 Purchase of the Hilton St site approved for £7,000.
29th March 1900 LUSC: The substitution of a self acting w.c in lieu of those provided in the cells of the various police stations.
16th Aug 1900 Manchester Corporation Act 1901 – clause inserted to authorise purchase of land adjourning Newton St PS.
18th Oct 1900 Regarding the condition of the yards at Bradley Court: Useless to spend any money on this site as due for demolition.
25th Oct 1900 Offer of sale of 22 Little Lever Street and 55 Newton St to WC for £3,218 and £2,144 respectively.
6th Dec 1900 Sale of land decided by the Fire Brigade at Hilton Street.
1901 Caminada’s report details that the Goulden Street , Albert Street and Newton Street PS could be closed if the Town Hall was used as a central lock-up.
14th Feb 1901 Boiler worn out. New wrought iron dome topped one to be substituted. New brick work £20.
15th May 1901 Quinquennial Valuations: Newton St PS £10,009.
15th May 1901 Quinquennial Valuations: Land and Property fronting Newton St Hilton St and Little Lever St £7,050.
1st Aug 1901 Sanitary Department Superintendent complaint re the land adjacent to Newton St PS. The cottages would if private property have had to have drastic measures taken, so the W.C should make them fit or close them.
14th Nov 1901 Hilton St and Newton St: for the Sub-committee to carry out the matters instructed over last year. A request received from the owners of property Newton St and Little Lever St asking that now the Act has been passed do the W.C wish to buy the properties. Sanitary Dept conditions would require £49.10s to repair the properties at Newton St.
Resolved that the Council are not able to entertain the purchase of the Newton St and Little Lever St properties and that Newton Street [properties] to be kept until Spring 1902 and then to be sold with other properties of the Improvement Committee. Deemed not suitable to sell the Newton St properties by auction.
13th Feb 1902 Conversion of a portion of Newton St PS into a Weights and Measures Office.
City Surveyor T.de Courcy Meade provides two rough sketches showing how a portion of Newton St PS might be utilised for the purposes of the Weights and Measures dated 11th February 1902.
Schedule A:
The basement under the cells used for store cellars and heating purposes.
The police kitchen under the new charge office for the use of the police station.
An area of 60’x52’ on the ground floor utilised as workshops and offices [currently the Transport, Main and CID galleries of the GMP Museum.]
First floor for [W&M] offices and men’s mess room with connection corridor and w.c.
[Front] Elevation will remain as at present with exception of breaking out for windows and door openings.
Schedule B: Basement used for storage and the ground floor will contain two large workshops men’s and mess rooms and office.
There will be four offices and a w.c on the first floor.
The elevation similar to schedule A.
This is an interesting quotation as clearly the front elevation from the two attached photographs changes dramatically not only with the windows but in overall size and shape. However without the detailed plans it is not possible to verify this point at this stage. It would appear that schedule B offered more scope for this change.
20th March 1902 The City Surveyor sketch plans for the alterations of Newton St PS:
Offices and workshops for the Weights and Measures - £1,500
Parade room erected over the cells - £ 500
City Surveyor’s Total - £2,000
Later tender received for - £3,399
27th March 1902 The Newton Street plans approved [presumed Sch B for work described]
29th May 1902 The sale of the Newton St area for £8,500 to include Hilton St, Newton St and Bradley Court site of original cost £7,673.
6th Nov 1902 Plans by Mr Riley for the new cell benches and W.C drainage which were stopped for alteration for the new offices for the weights and Measures now ready for five of the cells at £41.
3rd Dec 1903 A spiral staircase to the mess rooms and lavatories on the first floor to be installed £30.
When the GMP Museum first opened in 1980 just before the station closed operationally,the Curator Mr Broady noted the existence of this staircase in the far corner of the Transport gallery where the lift is now situated. It was of reduced head height and led to the upstairs toilet bypassing the main staircase from the front door and the upstairs offices and corridor. Presumably to reduce the movement of examiners/ traders through the offices. It is now housing in the entrance lobby.
2012 Building and street remain after 133 years. Building retained by GMP as a museum with some original features. See the Home' page for web link. The below Google map shows the adjoining block to the south west of the museum of Hilton St and Bradley court to which the W.C were interested for a Chief Fire Station.
I have included a button link to the excellent Our Manchester website which has more information on the
GMP Museum and Archive and numerous other Manchester buildings besides.
