St William (RC) Chapel, Simpson Street, Angel Meadow

• Foundation : Stone laid 28 May 1864
• Opened : December 1865

MANCHESTER. ST WILLIAM - This chapel was in Simpson Street, close to Rochdale Road. The style was plain Gothic, with accommodation for about 750. The cost, £1,200, was almost entirely contributed by the congregation of St. Chad's. The chapel opened in December 1865 and the mission was served from St. Chad’s until 1895, and again from 1903-5.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL —On Saturday afternoon the foundation of a new chapel, to be called St. William's was laid in Simpson-street, Angel Meadow, by the Rev. W. J. Sheenen, rector of St. Chad's, Cheetham. The chapel will be built of bricks, stone being only introduced where necessary. The design will be plain Gothic. The cost will be above £1,000 of which £700 has been subscribed; and the building will afford accommodation for between 700 and 800 people. The builder is Mr Thomas Tully, Broughton Lane, Manchester; and the architect Mr Tijou, Corporation street. The chapel will be used occasionally as a school-room. [Manchester Guardian 30 May 1864 page 2]

Reference           Manchester Guardian 30 May 1864 page 2