The Public Hall was opened on Wednesday 2nd April, 1879 by James Barlow Esq, JP, and was for some time the social centre of Horwich, the role that was later played by the Mechanics Institute (demolished in 1976).
Mr Peter Martin JP of The Street, Health Charnock bore the cost of the erection of the building - £3000 - and in 1882 his widow gave the building to the people of Horwich. Peter Martin was in business as a cotton spinner in Bolton at Blue Bonnet Hall, Daubhill, Fletcher Street Mill and Queen Street Mills, Farnworth. He was very involved with benevolent institutions in Bolton and donated money to a number of these organisations. He was a governor of Rivington & Blackrod Grammar School, and was generally involved with the improvements of schools in Horwich to enable education to be available to all. Mr & Mrs Martin were associated with Lee Congregational Church, and attended every Sunday, arriving in a carriage and pair of Horses.
The Public Hall was a very different place than it is today. The aim was to provide amusement and entertainment for ordinary people, but 'no intoxicating drinks were allowed on the premises' and 'no sectarian or political meetings were to be held in the Hall'. Any demoralising influences such as gambling, swearing, bad language, or any other vicious practice were strictly prohibited.
The ground floor consisted of separate Billiard, Chess, Coffee and Reading rooms, and a Library. Also on this floor was a scullery and kitchen complete with full cooking apparatus. The first floor consisted of a large Public Hall which was used for dinners, dances and concerts. It would seem that the Public Hall was equipped for travellers to stay there, as there were bedrooms available, catering provided and a stable/coach house block to the rear. A bowling green was provided for outdoor amusement.
Here is part of Peter Martin's statement at the opening ceremony of the Public Hall:
"Men must have something in the way of amusement to occupy their leisure hours and to provide this I have erected this Public Hall, where I hope the people of Horwich will find ample means for spending a pleasant evening. I have striven to make everything conducive to their comfort and enjoyment."
The Public Hall was very well used following the opening as is illustrated by the many events reported in the Horwich Chronicle at the time. Local firms held dinner dances and tea parties, choral societies and bands held concerts, societies held meetings and staged exhibitions, schools used it for prize distribution evenings, and it was even the scene of an inquest.
Over the years, and with the building of the Mechanics Institute, the social use of the Public Hall declined and it began to be used by the Horwich Local Board (later to become Horwich Urban District Council) for meetings and offices. The Hall then became the focal point of Horwich Civic life with all manner of formal events being hosted. Today Horwich Town Council still use the Council Chamber for Council Meetings but its offices have moved to Horwich Community Centre. Some area office functions from Bolton Council now use the premises as do some local NHS staff.
The street behind the Public Hall carries the name of the man who paid for its construction.
Horwich Urban District Council Chairman.
Barbara Ronson (centre) was a prominent local politician who became both Mayor of Horwich & Leader of the Council. She also became Mayor of Bolton & Council Leader. Barbara was made a 'Freeman of Horwich' in 2013. Here she is pictured with her husband Bob being presented with certificates of recognition on their retirement by the then Horwich Town Mayor, Mrs Joyce Kellet.
Above, a march past during WWII as part of the 'Wings for Victory' funding drive.
Below, Hitler outside the Public Hall 12th May 1944
This was part of another funding drive. As the amounts raised reached various levels, Hitler progressed up the staircase until the final target was achieved. At this point the effigy of Hitler was hanged!
'Salute The Soldiers' at Horwich
The saluting base at Horwich Public Hall for the parade inaugurating Horwich's 'Salute the Soldier' week. Lieut. Col. Bartlett, M.C., A.M., took the salute. Accompanying him are Counc. Philip Cannell, JP, Chairman of Horwich District Council, Lieut. Col. Nuttall, Lieut. Col. Duckworth, Counc. Close (vice -chairman), Mr Jas. Seddon (Clark), and councillors, saving officials and others.
