Fenton Town Hall, a magnificent municipal building located in Albert Square, Fenton, Staffordshire, England, is a testament to the architectural grandeur and historical significance that has shaped this part of Stoke-on-Trent. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by Robert Scrivener & Son, this red brick edifice adorned with stone dressings stands as a beacon of the town's rich heritage and community spirit.
The inception of Fenton Town Hall can be traced back to the late 19th century, when William Meath Baker, a local pottery proprietor, envisioned a grand municipal building for the community. At his own expense, Baker commissioned the construction of the town hall on a large site he provided. The foundation stone was laid on 5 July 1888, and the building was officially opened in December 1889. The design features a near-symmetrical frontage with ten bays facing Albert Square, flanked by full-height pilasters that support a cornice, a parapet, and finials, creating a visually striking façade.
The architectural details of Fenton Town Hall are nothing short of spectacular. The central section of six bays is adorned with tripartite mullioned and transomed windows on the ground floor, and tall arched windows with intricate tracery on the first floor. The central two windows, taller than the others, are surmounted by a gable containing a tripartite window and a coat of arms, adding a regal touch to the building. The side wings, each with two bays, are not as tall as the central section but feature similar gabled designs, creating a harmonious balance.
One of the standout features of the building is the oriel windows on the first floor of the side wings, each topped with a cone-shaped roof. The left-hand side wing's outer bay boasts an arched four-part mullioned and transomed window with tracery on the ground floor, while the right-hand side wing's outer bay features a doorway with an architrave and a keystone, adding to the building's architectural diversity.
Scavenger hunts in Stoke-on-Trent
Discover Stoke-on-Trent with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Stoke-on-Trent with your team!
Fenton Town Hall quickly became a central hub for the community. Following significant population growth associated with the local potteries, the area became an urban district in 1894. The new urban district council purchased the town hall from Baker in 1897, establishing it as the council's headquarters. In 1906, a public library, financed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and designed by F. R. Lawson, was erected to the east of the town hall, further cementing the site as a focal point for the community.
Although the town hall ceased to be the local seat of government when the Federation of Stoke-on-Trent was formed in March 1910, it continued to serve the community in various capacities. A police station, also designed by Robert Scrivener & Son, was erected between the town hall and the public library in 1914. The building was later converted for use as the main magistrates' court for the area, with the police station serving as the magistrates' clerks' office.
Fenton Town Hall also holds a special place in the hearts of the local community as a site of remembrance. A war memorial in the form of an obelisk was unveiled outside the town hall on 11 November 1922, commemorating the lives of local service personnel who died in the First World War. Inside the building, a plaque created from Minton tiles lists the names of 498 local service personnel, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the community.
During the Second World War, the town hall played a role in the local fund-raising effort for Wings for Victory Week in April 1943. A Spitfire was even parked outside the building, symbolizing the town's contribution to the war effort.
After serving as a venue for magistrates' court hearings until December 2012, Fenton Town Hall faced an uncertain future. In 2013, the Victorian Society listed the building as the fifth most endangered building in England and Wales. However, a local action group stepped in, occupying the building in an attempt to prevent its sale by the Ministry of Justice. Their efforts were not in vain, as in February 2015, the building was acquired by Baker & Co., the pottery business founded by William Baker.
Today, Fenton Town Hall has been revitalized as a vibrant community space. Parts of the building have been let to local businesses, a café, and an art gallery. A significant restoration project, supported by Arts Council England, was completed in 2021, revealing the original vaulted ceiling of the ballroom, a principal room within the hall. This restoration has breathed new life into the building, ensuring that it continues to serve as a focal point for the community for years to come.
In conclusion, Fenton Town Hall stands as a symbol of the town's rich history and enduring community spirit. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and modern-day revival make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Stoke-on-Trent. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a charming café or art gallery, Fenton Town Hall has something to offer everyone.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.