manchester

tourist guide

regional sightseeing

Bolton Town Hall

01204 333333
www.visit-bolton.com

Free

Informal visits welcome, but for guided tours, groups or school visits please call 01204 331090 for further information.

One of the three great Victorian Town Halls in the area along with those of Manchester and Rochdale.  Unlike the other two, however, this is Classical in inspiration.  The building dominates the town centre with its six-column Corinthian portico reached by a wide staircase and its tower given a French cap and cupola.  Inside is the impressive great hall with an organ gallery supported on male figures - Atlantes.  It was the work of William Hill of Leeds - no relation of the famous bookmaker.  The Town Hall was opened in 1873 but the first suggestion to build such a grand building was made in 1863 during the height of the Cotton Famine.  The blockade of Southern States by the Union cut off the supply of raw cotton to Lancashire.  With so many mills silent it was thought that such a major project could provide employment for hundreds of the needy.

Toilets, shop, group and school visits, disabled access, guided tours, events.

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