The Whitworth connection
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The Industrial Revolution
By the end of the 19th century, Openshaw had been transformed from its former rural state by the Industrial Revolution. With canal and railway access in place many engineering firms emerged in Openshaw in the latter half of the 19th century. New iron and steel works became the main employers. Major engineering names established at this time, played a key role in the development of the Openshaw area.
The name Whitworth
Sir Joseph Whitworth (1803-1887) moved his works to Openshaw in 1880. Concerned by working class poverty he donated large sums of money to the community, particularly for educational purposes. The Whitworth Scholarship scheme, originally set up by Sir Whitworth, is still in existence today.
Whitworth died bequeathing most of his fortune to provide educational and community facilities. The Whitworth Hall on Ashton Old Road, comprising washhouses, baths and a library, was built in 1890.
Crossley
In 1882 the Crossley Brothers transferred their works, which produced gas engines, to Pottery Lane. Extremely religious, the brothers had a church built within the factory for workers who had nowhere to worship. The brothers supported the Salvation Army in its campaign against drink and alcoholism. They founded and maintained a hospital for persons in consumption on Ashton Old Road (now Crossley House). In 1888 they established the Crossley Lads Club using a room in the works as a clubhouse. In 1912 the club took over Crossley House, which is still in use today as a youth centre.
Industrial collapse
The Armstrong Whitworth Company (thus named following an amalgamation with Sir William Armstrong’s company in 1897) demise was reflective of what happened to the engineering industry in Openshaw after the First World War. Both were deeply affected by the fall in demand for armaments, followed by a recession. In 1934 most of the buildings were demolished and new ones built by Vickers Armstrong in 1938 when rearmament began, but they ceased production in 1945 and officially closed in 1950.
With decline of industry the second half of the 20th century witnessed a period of demolition. As the population fell work began on the clearing slums and redeveloping communities.
The MANCAT connection
Openshaw Technical College was built in 1955 on the site of the Armstrong Whitworth Openshaw works. It merged in 1983 to become part of Central Manchester College, which went on to become Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT), in 1990.