Alnwick Mechanics' Institute
Mechanics Institute, 5 Percy Street, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1AE
Mechanics’ Institutes were the brainchild of Thomas Birkbeck, after whom the London College is named. They began in Edinburgh in 1821. Alnwick Mechanic's Institute was founded in 1824 as one of the first in England. This was a time of growing social unrest and rapid technological change. For most people education was rudimentary. Mechanics’ Institutes were intended to equip ordinary working people with the knowledge and skills needed to prosper in a rapidly changing world.
The remarkable building, by local architect William Smith, dates from 1831 and has changed little in almost two hundred years. It could be earliest surviving example of a purpose-built Mechanics' Institute that is still (more-or-less) in its original form.
The entrance door is based on Egyptian monumental temple gates. These were designed to lead the eye through the temple itself to, in the distance, ‘the mountains of the horizon’, symbolising aspiration – entering the Institute meant looking for enlightenment.
Today, the Mechanics’ Institute is a Grade 2 listed building, managed by the Alnwick Town Council. It is available for community use.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1030-1600
Location & directions
Mechanics Institute, 5 Percy Street, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1AE
- Contact on day:
- Peter Hately
- Telephone number:
- +447710232780
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
- Estimated duration:
- 30 hour(s)
