The site of Nantwich Museum has its own fascinating history. For many years a jail was situated here. In the 18th and early 19th centuries over half the population of England’s prisons were in jail because of debt. It also housed mentally ill people. When James Nield (a penal reformer and philanthropist) visited, in 1802, he reported that there were three lunatics in the prison. One of whom, a poor woman, was raving mad, and chained to her bed.
Some 80 years later the town decided to have a library here. Despite the fact that it was called Nantwich Free Library, ratepayers paid for the whole library (whether they used it or not) and then had to pay a subscription to be a member! Click on the pictures below, to find out more.
This old jail house was on Pillory Street in Nantwich, where Nantwich Museum is now situated. The building was removed when Nantwich Free Library was built.
At first, donations were small. Then John Brunner (of Brunner Mond chemical works in Northwich) wired from New York: “Gladly subscribe £200 Free Library.” As a result, support grew for the library and various events were held to raise money.
Local Historian, James Hall (whose picture hangs in Nantwich Museum) objected to the old jail (referred to as “gaol” in those days) being pulled down. What do you think?
A fund raising poster from 1892, advertising an event to help get Nantwich Free Library up and running.
Thomas Bower was the architect and J. Matthew, of Beam Street, was the builder. The cost of the library was estimated to be £485, but when extras were added this rose to £712. Furnishings would add another £65. The building is still instantly recognisable.
Despite the fact that it was called Nantwich Free Library, ratepayers paid for the whole library (whether they used it or not) and then had to pay a subscription to be a member!
Nantwich Free Library Certificate of Honorary Membership. Courtesy Cheshire Archives & Local Studies.
Librarians at Nantwich Free Library. The first librarian was Miss Annie Jackson. At that time Nantwich was one of only 24 libraries in Great Britain which employed female librarians. Annie lived very close to the library, at 52 Pillory Street.
Nantwich Free Library Floor Plan
Nantwich Free Library Rules. The first librarian, Miss Annie Jackson, was very strict!
A break down by subject of the Non-Fiction circulations in Nantwich Free Library in 1889.
Old pictures of Pillory Street, from the Nantwich Guardian. The library is shown top right.
An old postcard showing Pillory Street in Nantwich. Note the railings outside the library, which is now Nantwich Museum.
There’s more information here, written by Allan Whatley, who was a librarian and keen local historian.
