Wombwell - Council Offices
Location/Address
None recorded
Type
Description
Former offices of Wombwell Urban District Council, now a pub - the Old Town Hall. Built in 1897 for the new Urban District Council (formed in 1894 from the Wombwell Local Board; absorbed into Barnsley Metropolitan District in 1974).
There is a foundation stone on the corner elevation of the building that reads "This stone was laid by Mrs Mitchell of Bolton Hall, June 22nd 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. God Save The Queen. Arthur G. Garland, Chairman U.D.Council, John Robinson, Clerk, Surveyor"
The Mexborough & Swinton Times reported the retirement of Mr John Robinson on 1st October 1904 after 40 years of public service, saying "He was architect of the new Urban Council Offices, the foundation stone of which was laid on Diamond Jubilee Day, 1897, and it is not too much to say that his help and advice have been of service to the township in every project for the benefit of the ratepayers."
Their earlier report, 25th June 1897, on the laying of the foundation stone, quotes Mrs. Mitchell (wife of the late Chairman of the Local Board) as saying "On this great thanksgiving day, when the whole civilised world is rejoicing to honour our own beloved Queen, you have decided to commemorate her diamond jubilee by erecting these public buildings... I hope that Wombwell will continue to prosper and that whatever business has to be conducted in these buildings will be carried on with success and credit to your governing bodies" - the audience is reported as having heartily sang the National Anthem.
The Boer War memorial plaque added to the Station Road elevation c1902 of the building is listed Grade II (NHLE 1151176) but the building itself is not designated.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Wombwell UDC Council OfficesAge
The building dates to 1897 and is of merit, relating to emerging municipal identity.Rarity
The building is unique, being the former council offices of the then Wombwell Urban District Council.Architectural and Artistic Interest
Designed by John Robinson, Surveyor/Architect for Wombwell Urban District Council.Group Value
The building stands in close proximity to Wombwell Carnegie Library, a slightly later municipal project, on Station Road, and forms part of a group of buildings of similar date on Station Road and the High Street.Historic Interest
The building has a number of historical associations. It reflects the identity of the then new Urban District Council. The Historic England guidance on listing of 'Law & Government Buildings' notes "In 1894 further municipal reform led to the formation of Urban District Councils, serving small towns and suburban areas, and Rural District Councils, administering groups of rural parishes. The purpose-built ‘council offices’ that resulted were often scaled-down versions of their inner city counterparts" and goes on to say "This category of buildings often has strong meanings for residents, and due respect must be given to their historic significance as the embodiment of local pride". The Urban District Council used their new building as a way of commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. A memorial plaque was added as a memorial to local involvement in the Boer War c.1902. John Robinson, the architect of the building, played a key role in the development of Wombwell during this period. In addition, the 1904 article on his retirement notes "Mr Robinson was born at Haworth, near Keighley, the village now world-famous as the home of the Brontes... He was sent to Haworth National School... he was, at the age of 13, apprenticed as pupil teacher at the school, the managers of which were the Rev. Patrick Bronte, father of the famous sisters, and the Rev. A.V. Nicholls, his curate, who afterwards became the husband of Charlotte Bronte". His obituary in the Sheffield Independent on 15th November 1923 adds that "He was associated with the Bronte family, and was one of the few persons present at the early morning wedding of the famous writer. Charlotte Bronte's husband assisted him in studies which gained him the post of Master of Wombwell National School".Archaeological Interest
Surviving historic fabric.Landmark Status
The building is prominently sited on the main road through Wombwell and is a physical landmark. It has strong communal associations through its links with the former Wombwell Urban District Council and historical associations through its architect, John Robinson.Images and Documents
Date Listed
26 Aug 2022
Last Updated
23 Mar 2023
Comments and Feedback
Do you have any questions or more information about this record?
Insert Image
Drop file here or click to browse device for file.