Oldham Historical Research Group

Scan and page transcript from:
Historical Sketches of Oldham by Edwin Butterworth
Pub. 1856

Historical Sketches of Oldham by Edwin Butterworth

hood amounted to £1066, but that sum not being sufiicient for the object in view, the amount was offered to and accepted by the Corporation, who completed the design originally contemplated by the Peel Testimonial Committee. With the consent of the Corporation, Mr. Alexander Munro, an eminent sculptor in London, was commissioned to execute a large sized bust, in white marble, of the lamented Baronet, which was done at an expense of 100 guineas, and, when completed, was placed on a handsome pedestal in the vestibule of the establishment. The pedestal of the statue bears the following inscription :—"These Public Baths originated from a subscription raised in honour of the memory of Sir Robert Peel, Bart. They were erected by the Corporation of this borough, with the aid of the funds subscribed. A.D. 1854." The building, which is situated at the corner of Union street and Clegg street, was designed by a resident architect, Mr. Tittensor, and presents a pleasing and elegant appearance. It was completed at a cost of about £4000, towards which £900 were handed over by the Peel Committee. Such an institution was much needed in the town, and although it may hitherto have proved somewhat burdensome to the ratepayers, yet, as its benefits become more widely known it will be more extensively patronised, and will prove to be one of the most useful establishments in the borough, conducing at once to the social and domestic comfort, to the health, and to the moral improvement of the inhabitants.

Although not immediately connected with the Corporation, the Union workhouse cannot be passed over without notice. The new Poor Law was introduced into Oldham in the year 1847, after a long and harrassing struggle, maintained by those who thought that the defects of the old system of parochial management under a select vestry and overseers, was preferable to the centralisation of the new law. The promoters of the movement were materially assisted by Mr. Kay

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