John Ryland's Town House Ardwick

[cathaldus]

When I was a pupil at St. Gregory's High School on Ardwick Green,  Manchester, I recollect that we were told that the original part of the building was the former town house of the famous industrialist John Ryland.  He is of course commemorated in the newly renovated John Ryland's Library on Deansgate in Manchester.  Any info out there please?

[Barbara.H]

I've just looked him up on the 1851 census and there he is!  At 24 Ardwick Green with wife Martha.

Its a very damaged page, so you can't see who else is there.. but wikipedia says he had six children by his first wife Dinah Raby     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rylands

Was St Gregory's also an Industrial School at one time? I think there was one at Ardwick.  Would it be the same building?

  Barbara

[cathaldus]

Dear Barbara,

A bit of a "senior" day!!  Why didn't I think of the census!  Thank you so much for your response.  Ardwick Green then,  was a village green and the Ryland's would have driven down to St. Annes or the Cathedral Church,  perhaps in a Brougham and pair,  on a lovely summer morning!  I started at St. Gregory's in 1947 and I never knew is it was an industrial school in a previous life. I will find out and let you know!

Bill

[cathaldus]

Dear Barbara,
I "googled" St. Gregory's High School for Boys - Ardwick Green and low and behold fullsome details of an Industrial school revealed!  Now who'd thowt'
it!!

Once again,  thanks!   Bill .

[tony h]

Hi
St Greg's was built as a hospital originally. I'll be passing over the weekend and see if there was a name.

Cheers
T

[cathaldus]

Dear Tony,
Thank you for your reply!  I've never heard that one before and I am obviously very interested and would appreciate any further info. that you glean elsewhere.

Sincere thanks,   Bill

[Barbara.H]

What a lovely picture you paint, of a brougham and pair trotting along London Road! 

I had to make do with the 92 bus 

Barbara

[cathaldus]

On the 92 eh!  You must have been one if the posh one's.  Remember the first bit of that road towards Manchester is Downing Street!!  When I was 16 or so I knew the managing clerk of a firm of Manchester solicitors,  he was 89 at that time and it was he who told me of the Brougham and pair (with his Merchant father) drving down to St. Anne's church.  His dress,  his handwriting and demeanor would I suppose be considered as a "gentleman".  He lived in Ashton on Mersey then,  in a real "Georgian" house,  with his Housekeeper,  Miss Mills!!  I  used to help in the garden and got ten shillings for a full day on Saturday!  Not bad for a Hulme lad eh!

Bill

[tony h]

Hi Bill,
 I pass there most days (St Greg's) and it is on the corner by the lights as you might remember. I love Gothic architecture so often look at the building whilst we are waiting for 'green'. It does say Hospital at the top, I half remember Nicholl's or perhaps I don't. I will look tomorrow.

Cheers
T