Building Name

Memorial to John Rylands, Southern Cemetery

Date
1890
Street
Barlow Moor Road
District/Town
Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester
County/Country
GMCA, England
Work
New Build
Contractor
Patteson of Manchester.

MONUMENT TO THE LATE JOHN RYLANDS – The monument that has been for some time in course of erection in the Southern Cemetery in memory of the late Mr John Rylands is now completed. It is hexagonal in plan, is raised upon two granite steps from the level of the enclosure within which it stands, and is 28 feet in height, of which the solid base measures three feet. This lower portion has panelled faces, inscribed with a series of Scripture texts, so chosen and arranged, when read to the right, as to exhibit is consecutive order the great characteristics of the Christian life. From the six upper angles of the panelled base rise six square pillars, fluted in front, terminating with caps, and richly carved corbellings on each side supporting a moulded cornice, the several divisions of which bear ornate scrolls, respectively inscribed with the words “Faith, Joy, Peace, Mercy, Love, Hope.” Above the cornice, and directly over the pillars, are six angelic figures, kneeling or half seated, four of which bar the symbols of the Christian warfare as described by St Paul. At a higher level and recessed from the line of the emblematic figures, are smaller columns, supporting the cupola, at the angles of which are the forms of six angels standing, four with trumpets, as if to announce to the four quarters of the world the glad tidings of Christ’s salvation. On the other two, one represents Faith, triumphantly holding the Cross; the other Hope, leaning upon an anchor, and directing a rapt upward gaze to heaven. The space between and above the pillars forms a vaulted dome, on the interior arch of which are starry and other emblems. In the open space beneath the dome, and resting on the centre of the base, is a large block of granite, containing the inscription “John Rylands of Manchester. Born 7th February, 1801. Died 11th December, 1888. In loving memory.” The monument is placed at the rear of the grave, the space of which is level, protected by a granite kerb, and planted with flowers. The rest of the inclosure is paved with slabs of polished red granite, the whole being surrounded with a granite edging and an enriched railing of bronze. With the exception of the granite block, the memorial is executed in white Sicilian marble, the hardest procurable. The whole monument has been designed and its erection superintended by Messrs Heathcote and Rawle, architects, of Manchester. The sculpture is from the studio of Mr Boulton, Cheltenham, and the rest of the work has been executed by Messrs Patteson, of Manchester. [Manchester Guardian 1 August 1890 page 5]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 1 August 1890 Page 5
Reference    Hartwell/Pevsner: Lancashire –Manchester and the South-East, page 413

John Rylands, was a multi-millionaire industrialist and philanthropist whose wife bequeathed the library which bears his name to the City of Manchester. His monument – and hers, too, since her ashes were committed there – were once thought “the grandest” amidst the avenues of Southern Cemetery The monument as described in the Manchester Guardian  is now much reduced, comprising only the base and granite block.