Then & Now – Delph Mechanics
Then: In 1883, work began on a building that no longer stands: The Delph Mechanics.
Situated across the road from the Millgate Arts Centre and hair studio, the rather impressive building – depicted below – was once an educational monolith at the heart of our local community, home to the Delph Mechanics Institute whose roots stretch back to the beginning of the 19th century…
Back in the smog-smeared days of the industrial revolution, many literary and philosophical societies were formed from a collective desire to learn. In these societies, workers came together to undertake self-improvement through education, and it was from this demand for education that the mechanic’s institutes came to be: The first in Glasgow in 1823. Over the following years, many popular institutes were established around the country, commanding large memberships and respectable premises in local villages and towns including Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Dobcross, Meltham, Marsden, Uppermill, Linthwaite and, of course, Delph.
As well as teaching fundamental technical skills, there were many additional educational opportunities provided by these righteous institutions, but rather than merely detailing them, I’d like to conjure an image of what Delph mechanics may have been like in its pomp, on the evening of a notorious fundraising soiree…
Picture the scene: Delph Sound at 10:PM one hundred and thirty-five years ago (not much has changed). The cobbled streets are dimly lit by the flickering flame of a lonely streetlamp and before your eyes lies the newly built Mechanic’s – three tall front windows alive with life within. The open double doors let slip sounds of brass band music and the undulating babble of hundreds of voices chattering at once. You enter and find half the village in the main hall, men and women sat around numerous small circular tables dressed in their finest clothes, drinking pints of bitter and glasses of gin, laughing loud and slapping backs. Decorating the walls to either side are flowers red and white, violet and yellow, entwined with evergreens arranged into letters spelling such stirring phrases as: ‘Let there be light’, ‘Prosperity to the Delph Mechanics Institute’, and, ‘Excelsior’.
Now picture a reputable gentleman sitting at the far end of this hall at a long table with similar-looking chaps on either side. Amid the festivities, the man stands – portly face red with spirits, whiskery mutton-chops grey with age, grasping with both gloved hands the lapels of a handsome evening suit, gazing benevolently down upon the gathered crowd while striking his glass with a spoon.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he says in a low, growling voice. ‘Today is truly a great day for our little village of Delph, and for you, the working people, who populate it.’ General applause and cheers* ‘For today, we mark the opening of our very own mechanics hall, a new home for our society – The Mechanics Institute. A respectable base which will enable the pursuit of a great many marvellous things for the betterment of our local community!’ Rapturous applause and cheers* ‘Chief amongst these, of course, will be knowledge. From its conception over fifty years ago, our venerable institution has been committed to providing self-improvement through education to working men, and women, the length and breadth of Britain; teaching philosophy and literature, mathematics and sciences to either sex irrespective of religious background or political standing, thus fulfilling an essential function our national government has long neglected: that of education accessible to everyone. Indeed, we see it as our duty to admit any adult willing enough to pay our – I’m sure you’ll agree – very reasonable fees.’ Laughter and applause*. And what’s more, we are not idle with your hard-earned shillings, using the funds to procure new volumes for our lending library, host learned speakers from prestigious universities, and not least of all, organise delightful Soirees of the very sort you find yourself engaged with tonight! I do believe there’s not a worthier cause than ours in all this hallowed land!’ Deafening applause and singing* The old gentleman raises his glass high into the air and the crowd reciprocate the action. ‘Long may we continue to grant equal opportunities in this way. Here’s to knowledge, prosperity, and brighter destinies. Long live the Mechanics!’
‘Long live the mechanics!’ Repeats everyone, then drinks. The brass band starts up again and people begin to dance. The man resumes his seat.
Sadly, most Mechanics closed their doors around the time of the first world war. They were never looked upon favourably by certain groups for challenging social norms of the times – in ways the old gent expressed, and with the gradual introduction of national education acts granting compulsory education for older age-groups, their services were neglected – Delph mechanics being no exception. In its later years, the Delph building was used for various purposes, including a cinema, dancehall, library, theatre, doctors and even a roller-skating rink. However, the building was eventually demolished in the 1970s.
Now: On the site where the hall once stood, there’s a car park.
By Patrick Bell, with special thanks to Kendrick Whitehead.
Author: Patrick Bell
Drawing stories from the people, communities, history, and wildlife of our local area. Weaving all into a landscape we know and love as home.
