Houldsworth School

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Houldsworth School
210834 Houldsworth School.jpg
The school building in 2012
Greater Manchester UK location map 2.svg
Red pog.svg
Location within Greater Manchester
Alternative namesSt Elisabeth's Primary School
General information
Architectural style Gothic Revival
LocationBedford St, Reddish,
Greater Manchester, England
Coordinates 53°26′20″N2°09′48″W / 53.43895°N 2.16338°W / 53.43895; -2.16338
Year built1874
Renovated2021 (refurbished)
Design and construction
Architect Alfred Waterhouse
Website
www.thrive-ste.com
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameHouldsworth School
Designated30 October 1973
Reference no. 1067180
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameWall to west of Houldsworth School
Designated10 March 1975
Reference no. 1162583

Houldsworth School (now St Elisabeth's Primary School) is a building on Bedford Street in Reddish, within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. It is Grade II* listed, recognised for its architectural and historic significance. The school was designed by the prominent Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse and completed in 1874. It stands as an important example of 19th-century educational architecture in the region.

Contents

History

Houldsworth School was commissioned during the late Victorian era to serve the growing population of Reddish, which expanded rapidly due to industrialisation. The building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, [1] best known for works such as the Natural History Museum in London and Manchester Town Hall. The school was named after Sir William Houldsworth, a local industrialist and philanthropist associated with the nearby Houldsworth Mill. It opened in 1874 and has functioned as a key educational institution for the area.

Grade II* listed wall to west of Houldsworth School 210835 N Gate of houldsworth school.jpg
Grade II* listed wall to west of Houldsworth School

On 30 October 1973, Houldsworth School was designated a Grade II* listed building. [1] A wall to the west of the school is also Grade II* listed. [2]

The present St Elisabeth's Primary School opened in November 2019 as a new provision and is now part of the Thrive Church of England Academy Trust. [3] It occupies a site historically associated with the original Victorian school buildings. While the original school building is listed and retains architectural significance, the modern primary school operates within updated facilities to meet contemporary educational standards.

In 2021 listed building consent was granted for refurbishment works, including repairs to flat roofs and stone window surrounds, ensuring the historic fabric remains preserved. [4] The school continues to maintain strong links with St Elisabeth's Church and the local community, reflecting its founding ethos while adapting to modern educational needs.

Architecture

Houldsworth School is designed in Waterhouse's characteristic Late Gothic Revival style. The building is single-storey, constructed in red brick with stone dressings and topped with a slate roof. Its principal elevation features two large gables facing the road, each containing a prominent mullioned and transomed window. [1] A porch with a three-centred arch is positioned to the left of centre, while additional mullion-and-transom windows appear to the right. The roofline is punctuated by dormer windows, adding to the building's distinctive silhouette. [5]

Context and group value

The school building forms part of an industrial community and is associated with nearby listed heritage structures, including the Church of St Elisabeth, [6] its rectory, [7] and the Houldsworth Working Men's Club on Leamington Road. [8] Together, these buildings represent a cohesive group reflecting the social and architectural ambitions of the late Victorian industrial era.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Historic England. "Houldsworth School (Grade II*) (1067180)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  2. ↑ Historic England. "Wall to west of Houldsworth School (Grade II*) (1162583)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  3. ↑ Inspection of St Elisabeth's Church of England Primary (Report). Ofsted. February 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  4. ↑ "Planning - Application Summary DC/079552". Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  5. ↑ "Houldsworth School". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  6. ↑ Historic England. "Church of St Elisabeth (Grade I) (1356851)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  7. ↑ Historic England. "Rectory to Church of St Elisabeth (Grade II*) (1067181)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  8. ↑ Historic England. "Houldsworth Working Mens Club (Grade II*) (1067173)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
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