Episcopal Chapel. Rochdale Cemetery

FALL OF A CHAPEL ARCH IN THE ROCHDALE CEMETERY. On Thursday night last, during the storm, one of the arches of the Episcopal Chapel in the Rochdale Cemetery fell down about midnight. This chapel is 66 feet long and 29 feet wide. In the centre there rises a square tower 60 feet high, and from the square of this tower a spire 30 feet high was in the course of being slated. This tower rests upon two arches, the span of each being 19 feet. On either side of these arches there is an abutment, 7 feet wide. It appears that some time ago one of these abutments gave way a little, and last Friday week, we understand, the cemetery committee met Mr Cheetham, the contractor; Mr Foulds, the clerk of the works; and Mr Moffat Smith, of Manchester, the architect. Mr Cheetham was of the opinion that the abutments were too narrow and weak for so large an arch, but Messrs M Smith and Foulds both struck the arch, and were of the opinion that it would stand. The result of Thursday night’s storm proves that both were wrong. The whole of the square tower will have to come down nearly to the base. The damage done is estimated at nearly £300. Upon whom this loss will fall, we do not yet know. The contractor says he worked to his plans. [Manchester Guardian 27 October 1855 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 27 October 1855 page 6