AT LAST the public can access London Road Fire and Police Station, one of the most extraordinary testaments to civic pride in Europe. Confidential’s editor-at-large, Jonathan Schofield, will be leading most of the tours. He says they "will entertain, inform, delight and maybe send the odd shiver down the spine." Expect fascinating architecture, great human stories and even the odd spook.
This is the story of Manchester since 1906 in one building. This will be a tour to remember
The tour starts with a spin around the astonishing exterior of the 1906 building - recently acquired by award-winning developers, Allied London - then entering through the impressive gates on London Road.
These open out to the great courtyard from where Schofield will make sense of the building, its internal workings and its distinct areas.
READ: London Road Fire Station - The Future & 25 Photos Inside London Road Fire Station
Then it’s off to the Engine Room (pictured), the long galleria from where firemen would be scrambled to emergencies across the central areas of the city. This is filled with exquisite detail and craftsmanship. There are fire poles galore and when we cross the courtyard to the workshops there are more.
From the workshops groups will walk to the magnificent Coroner's Court, a celebration in mahogany and stained glass and a place of pure atmosphere and drama.
Throughout the guides will tell the story of the criminals in the police cells, of the personal tragedies in the Coroner's Courts and the joy and pride of the fire service families who worked and lived.
This is, in effect, the story of Manchester since 1906 in one building. This will be a tour to remember: a tour in ‘the finest fire station in this round world’.
Tours will take place every Saturday, Sunday and Thursday in July and August 2016. Tickets cost £10. The tour has been written by Jonathan Schofield, in association with Allied London, who have kindly permitted these tours to take place and reveal parts of this treasured building.
Tickets can be booked at www.jonathanschofieldtours.co.uk
Architect's Drawing
A festival of terracotta and wonderful detail
The Courtyard
Inside the Coroner's Court
Gorgeous sculpture and glass all around
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