Schools Selby (Architectural Competition)
SELBY SCHOOLS COMPETITION - In response to the invitation to architects to prepare plans for the new schools and alterations to the chapel, about 35 sets of drawings were sent in, and the committee, after carefully considering the merits of the respective sets of designs, selected six for final consideration bearing the following mottoes, viz., "Raikes," "Experience" (motto in red lettering), "Experimental," "Liverpool," "Spes," and " Wesleyan." At a subsequent committee meeting this number was reduced to four, "Spes" and "Wesleyan" being put aside, and it was finally decided to place the remaining four designs in the following order of merit, viz. :C1st, "Experimental"; 2nd, "Liverpool," by C. O. Ellison, of Liverpool; 3rd, "Raikes," by E. Birchall, of Leeds; 4th, "Experience," by William H. Thorp, of Leeds. We have not heard the name of the successful architect who is to carry out the work, but understand that he is a Manchester man. "Liverpool," by C. O. Ellison, of Liverpool, receives the second premium, and " Raikes," by E. Birchall, of Leeds, the third. [Building News 4 February 1881 Page 138]
SELBY SCHOOLS, ETC. - The designs placed first in this competition are by Messrs. Wm. Waddington and Son, of Manchester and Burnley - motto, "Experientia"; the second and third premiums being awarded to Mr. C. O. Ellison, of Liverpool -motto, "Liverpool," and Mr. E. Birchall, of Leeds - motto, “Raikes," respectively. The scheme includes the erection of new Wesleyan schools and remodelling the present chapel, the proposed outlay being about £4,000. The works will be proceeded with forthwith. [Building News 25 Feb 1881 Page 216]
In April 1881 tenders were sought for the construction of new day and Sunday Schools and alterations to the existing chapel. The schools were opened in February 1882. However, at some stage during construction the decision was made to demolish this chapel and construct a new chapel on the same site. (see separate entry).
Reference Building News 4 February 1881 Page 138
Reference Building News 25 Feb 1881 Page 216
Reference Leeds Mercury 2 April 1882 page 2 – tenders for new schools and alterations to chapel
Reference York Herald 6 April 1881 page 1 – tenders for new schools and alterations to chapel
Reference Eastern Morning News 12 April 1881 – tenders for new schools and alterations to chapel
Reference York Herald 8 April 1882 page 8 – schools opened in February 1882