Former Unitarian School and Church.Old Trafford

 The Former Unitarian School and Church of Old Trafford: A Historical Overview

Located in the Old Trafford district of Manchester, the former Unitarian school and hall, built in 1891, along with its attached church constructed in 1901, stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark. These buildings have witnessed numerous changes over the years, from their initial construction to their later role in supporting the local community during challenging times.

The Impact of World War II

During the night of 22nd and 23rd December 1940, the church was severely damaged in an air raid by enemy bombing, a common fate for many buildings in Manchester during the Second World War. Following the bombing, church services were moved to the nearby school chapel, allowing the community to continue their religious practices in spite of the destruction. However, the church eventually closed its doors in 1947. By this time, both the school and church had fallen into disuse.

The Buildings After the War

By 1947, the church was marked as a ruin on the 1955 Ordnance Survey map, showing the extent of its deterioration. The school, however, found a new purpose as an ex-servicemen’s club. This transformation served the large Polish immigrant community that had settled in Old Trafford following World War II, providing a social space and a focal point for this new wave of residents.

Architectural Design by JW and RF Beaumont

The school and church were designed by the architectural brothers JW and RF Beaumont, notable for their ability to blend aesthetic detail with functional design. Built using red Ruabon brick and featuring a Burlington slate roof, the buildings are excellent examples of how mass-production techniques could be used to achieve elaborate and decorative effects. This design is a testament to the period's architectural prowess, with both buildings featuring highly detailed exteriors that reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the time.

The Role of William Roberts

The construction of the church was largely funded by a bequest left in 1899 by William Roberts, a respected member of the Unitarian congregation. Roberts, who had a keen interest in philanthropy, also funded the statue of William Gladstone, which stands proudly in Manchester’s Albert Square. His generous contribution ensured that the church and school could be built to serve the growing local community.