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GREAT
HARWOOD
Mercer
Hall
Miss
Maria Mercer, the last surviving child of John
Mercer, died in February 1913 leaving money to the town of
Great Harwood. It was decided to use the bequest to build a community
hall at an estimated cost of £14,386. Work began in late
1913 but was interrupted by the outbreak of war in 1914 and came
to a stop in 1916. After the end of hostilities work resumed but
building costs had risen so that when construction was completed
in 1921 the price had risen to £25,000 plus another £700
to furnish the hall.
The opening ceremony took place on 21st October 1921 and was performed
by Mr. Milton Haydock of Churchfield
House. |
May 1940 showing east elevation of the
Mercer Hall, the public library and the Plough Hotel
Photos Mrs. M Goodliffe
The
building had a large hall used for local events such as balls and a
smaller hall where many private functions were held as here in 1939.
Changing
times meant the events held in the hall lost their popularity, its facilities
were under utilised and it was losing money. There had long been a desire
to have a swimming pool in the town so it was decided to convert the
building and the new baths were formally opened on 22nd April 1967 by
Councillor Thomas Lambert.
The pool has been a great success not only with the people of Great
Harwood but also those of surrounding towns.
Photo John Duckworth
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Designed
and written by ifinwig
Last
updated 11th June 2004
Any rights I can claim are. Any rights belonging to others aren't
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