Over Darwen Cemetery

OVER-DARWEN CEMETERY COMPETITION - THIRTY-ONE sets of designs for the proposed cemetery have been received from twenty-eight architects, and the committee have made a report wherein they say, — “We unanimously beg to recommend for adoption by your board, as first plan, the design bearing the motto “Veritas, provided the same can be executed and carried out for the amount specified in the competitor's estimate.” “We recommend to your board the design bearing the motto of ‘A Triangle in a Circle for the premium of 20l. The design bearing the motto ‘Experience, No. 1, for the premium of 10l. These being, in our opinion, the second and third best.” On opening the three sealed notes bearing the mottoes “Veritas,” “Triangle within a Circle,” and “Experience,” No. 1; the names of the architects were as follow:  1st, Messrs. James Stevens, Manchester, and J. W. Rigby, Over-Darwen; 2nd, Mr. Ernest Bates, Albert Chambers, Manchester; and 3rd, Messrs. Thos. D. Parry and H. Price, Liverpool. It was found that the joint designer of the first plan was the Board's own surveyor (Mr. Rigby), and a discussion ensued as to whether or not he should be allowed to carry out his design, the Board requiring all his time for the affairs of his office. How many of the competitors would have sent in designs if they had known the Board's own surveyor was a competitor? [Builder 19 November 1859 page 765]

OVER DARWEN, NEAR BLACKBURN - For the erection and completion of three mortuary chapels, two lodges, entrance‑gates, iron railing boundary fences, etc. Plans and detail drawings etc, and conditions of contract at the Office of the architect, Mr. J. Stevens, 32, Princess‑street, Manchester, to the' 29^th  February, between the hours of nine and five. Tenders to 12 o'clock at noon, March 1.[Building News 24 February 1860 page 141]

For the erection and completion of three mortuary chapels, two lodges, entrance gates, iron railing, boundary fences, etc. Mr J. Stevens, architect, 32, Princess Street, Manchester. Quantities supplied by the architect. A. Kay, Darwen £3,310; Howarth and Son, Blackburn  £3,270; W H Brown, Stockport £3,300;  John Knowles, Darwen (accepted) £3,220. [Building News 9 March 1860 page 194]

Reference    Manchester Guardian Thursday 16 February 1860 Page 4 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 18 February 1860 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Building News 24 February 1860 page 141
Reference    Building News 9 March 1860 page 194
Reference    Builder 10 March 1860 page 160 – tenders as BN