Proposed Church, Victoria Park

Although Loudon credits Hance with “making the drawings,” his exact role in the design of the proposed church in Victoria Park, Manchester is unclear. Richard Lane, whose Gothic credentials were always somewhat suspect may have employed him to do more than merely prepare a presentation perspective. In the 1840s, Lane employed pupils and assistants, (including Alfred Waterhouse), better versed in the new Gothic style to compensate for his own deficiencies.  Lane may thus have employed Hance, with his experience with T W Atkinson on St Luke’s Cheetham, to “ghost” the scheme for the church in Victoria Park.  Tenders for the building of the church were invited in January 1839 and again in May 1840. There is some contemporary evidence that the foundations were put in, but the scheme was abandoned at this stage, presumably as a result of the Victoria Park Company’s continuing financial difficulties.

"The general state of business in our profession is somewhat flat at present, and has been so all the year. Mr Lane is erecting some good houses in the Victoria Park, which will really be a great ornament; and we expect shortly to commence a church there, of which Mr Hance is at present making the drawings: it will, I believe, be a handsome Gothic structure, in the perpendicular style, with a spire. Mr. Atkinson is erecting a beautiful bit (quite a gem) at Cheetham Hill: a Gothic church, likewise perpendicular, and having also a spire, highly enriched: detail excellent. It is much admired, and will increase his fame much, and, likewise, the general taste."  [J C Loudon: The Architectural Magazine Vol 5 1838 Page 281 –Art III Domestic Notices]

Reference    J C Loudon: The Architectural Magazine Vol 5 1838 Page 281 –Art III Domestic Notices]
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 January 1839 page 1 – contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 19 January 1839 page1
Reference    Manchester Guardian 9 May 1840 page 1 – contracts