Macclesfield Public Library

MACCLESFIELD

SJ9173SE PARK GREEN 886-1/12/155 (South side) 17/03/77 Macclesfield Public Library (Formerly Listed as: PARK GREEN (South side) Chadwick Library)

GV II

Library. 1874-6. By James Stevens of Macclesfield. Altered and refurbished c1950. Uncoursed and squared freestone with steep Welsh slate roofs. PLAN: complex plan comprising 2 parallel ranges which form semi-octagons to Park Green elevation where they are linked by a canted porch. Present entrance now in Park Lane, but original doorways survive as windows in porch, up steps which have now been removed. EXTERIOR: banded polished granite shafts and polychrome stone work to Gothick entrance arch set in steep triangular gable with busts at apex. Top-lit left-hand range has paired lancet windows beneath gable with rose window over. The coped gable is carried on corbels. Similar lancet lights with transom in left-hand face of wing. Right-hand block has triple lancet window with transom and ornate feature to splayed angle: a central buttress carries a projecting panel and shafts support an arch above with 'Macclesfield Free Library 1876' inscribed over a coat of arms. Parapet above is carried on corbel beasts' heads, and is surmounted by a conical spirelet. Return elevation to Park Lane has 2 triple lancets with corbelled dormer gables above, the present entrance inserted c1850 and cut through a former triple window. Plainer wing beyond a later addition with paired and single-light sash windows. INTERIOR: although layout has been modified, the original roof structure remains visible, with heavy moulded timber hammer beam trusses with cast-iron supporting brackets.

Listing NGR: SJ9178273270