Rivington and Blackrod Grammar School

John Ladds and W H Powell 4 Chapel Street, Bedford Row, London WC joint architects.

A commission won by John Ladds and W H Powell in competition (twenty entries) in 1879. Rivington and Blackrod Grammar Schools had been amalgamated in 1875, its new charter being approved by Queen Victoria. The new schools were  built on land connected to Rivington Grammar school's endowment in Rivington Lane, close to the Horwich boundary. Ladds and Powell sought tenders at the end of October 1879, the Governors accepting that of Coope Brothers of Farnworth for £5685 in February 1880. The School opened without ceremony on 23 January 1882, with provision for about fifty boarders and perhaps an equal number of day boys. By this time estimated costs were in the region of £9,000.

RIVINGTON AND BLACKROD GRAMMAR SCHOOL, LANCASHIRE - Builders desirous of Tendering for the whole or any portion of the above Work are requested to apply to us at once. The Governors will not necessarily accept the lowest or any tender. LADDS and POWELL Architects 2 Chapel Street, Bedford Row, London WC 30 October 1879. [Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser 1 November 1879 page 7]

THE RIVINGTON AND BLACKROD GRAMMAR SCHOOL - On Wednesday, at a meeting of the Governors of the Rivington and Blackrod Amalgamated Grammar School sixteen tenders were submitted for the erection of the proposed new schools. The lowest was that of Messrs Coope Brothers, Farnworth, the amount being £5,685, and this was accepted. The amount of the highest tender was £7,075. [Bolton Evening News 5 February 1880 page 3]

RIVINGTON AND BLACKROD GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Postal address near Bolton. - New School Buildings, including Chemical laboratory, at a cost of £9,000; accommodation for 50 Boarders: present number 24; good cricket field; fives court joiners' shop. All Masters University Men. Three Exhibitions of £40 a year. Inclusive Fees £45 per annum. For prospectus and information apply to the Head Master, REV.  G SQUIRE MA. [The Examiner  10 February 1883 page 8 classified advert]

See also School Chapel Richard Knill Freeman

Reference           Manchester Guardian 1 November 1879 Page 9 (Contracts)