Chorlton-on-Medlock in Manchester in Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Whitworth Hall
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 14, 2026
1. The Whitworth Hall Marker
The Hall was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and completed by his son Paul. It built upon the architectural style already used in the Old Quadrangle with magnificent buttresses on Oxford Road and large perpendicular windows. Inside, the roof of the hall is of oak hammerbeam construction and rests upon large stone columns. At the north end is a large organ which was given to the University by an anonymous donor. The stained-glass window at the south end of the Whitworth Hall shows the coats of arms of many chancellors, benefactors to the University and local textile towns, celebrating the collaboration between the University and the region’s industry.
The building commemorates Sir Joseph Whitworth, an engineer from Stockport who found fame and fortune by developing techniques for precision engineering.
Whitworth left his substantial legacy to three individuals who were instructed to use his wealth to fund projects for the public good. One of the beneficiaries, Richard Copley Christie, used a substantial amount of his portion to fund the building of the Hall in honour of Joseph Whitworth. His substantial legacy also funded the former engineering building on Coupland Street and the University’s art gallery, the Whitworth.
(Captions)
The interior of the Whitworth Hall, 1908
Sir Joseph Whitworth
Graduates entering the Whitworth Hall in the 1950s
Stained-glass window in the Whitworth Hall
Erected by The University of Manchester.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education.
Location. 53° 27.922′ N, 2° 14.033′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The John Owens Building (a few steps from this marker); Ellen Wilkinson (within shouting distance of this marker); Infected Blood Inquiry Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Christie Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The University of Manchester World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The University of Manchester World War I Memorial
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 14, 2026
2. The Whitworth Hall Marker
The exterior of the Whitworth Hall. The marker is located in front of the building, facing the Old Quadrangle.
Also see . . . The Whitworth Hall (The University of Manchester).
The ceremonial Whitworth Hall was built between 1898 and 1902 to commemorate the Manchester engineer Joseph Whitworth (1803–1887). It was funded by Richard Copley Christie, his lawyer and legatee.(Submitted on October 28, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
The Rotary Series, circa 1910
3. Victoria University, Manchester
Oxford Road, looking north - Whitworth Hall is main building visible here. The marker itself is on the other (Quad) side of the building.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 3. submitted on October 28, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
