The administrative heart of any city rests within its town hall. And the city of Manchester's town hall is one of the finest examples of neo-gothic architecture in the UK. The current building is not the first town hall in Manchester, however. The original administrative offices were built in 1822, within the police building on King Street. Forty years later, the city had grown so much that larger quarters were needed to run it. The cornerstone for the current town hall was laid in October of 1868 and construction was completed by 1877. The new structure included offices for the various administrative departments, city council chambers, a large hall, a suite of reception rooms, and living quarters for the Lord Mayor. We were immediatly impressed by the 280 foot clock tower. Holding twenty four bells, it is the sixth tallest structure in the city. Within the glass mosaic roof of the entrance hall is a trap door, through which the tower bells can be lowered to street level. Today, Town Hall is the ceremonial headquarters of the city council (with regular meetings being held in Town Hall Extension next door). While much of the work of the city's administrative departments are still done here, the Town Hall is often hired out for weddings and special functions (especially by the city's major corporations). Because it is so busy, you have to check with reception to see when a tour of the building will happen. If you have the time to wait for a tour, this is definitely worth it. Looking across Albert Square towards Manchester's Town Hall. Old painting of the original Town Hall within the Police Building on King Street. This building now is home to Lloyds Bank. Even the entrance hall, with its "Bee Themed" floor, is elegant. Symbol of efficient industry, the bee is part of Manchester's Coat of Arms. One of the spiral staircases in the building. These are absolutely beautiful. Many of the. Ity's major corporations hire out this Grand Hall for special functions.... ...and the Banquet Hall is used for wedding receptions. The inner courtyard was a surprise. It reminded us of the layout of several palaces we've visited throughout our journey. Sculptured busts of folks important to Manchester's history adorn the corridors. Statue of Henry of Grosmont, First Duke of Lancaster (the county that includes Manchester). Coats of Arms adorn the entrance hall walls. The Great Abel bell in the clock tower was named after Abel Heywood, Lord Mayor of Manchester in 1862-1863 and again in 1876-1877
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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