No 98 -  Fenton Town Hall


Fenton Town Hall in 1957
in the foreground is the War Memorial

old postcard of Fenton Town Hall
the spire was removed at some stage as it was unsafe.

foundation stone laid by William Meath Baker

LAID BY
W. M. BAKER, ESQRE 

"This grand, red brick and stone Town Hall in Albert Square, Fenton, stands as a reminder of the days before Federation when each of the Six Towns could afford such ostentatious luxury. 

It is a particularly large building, designed in the Gothic style, with many novel embellishments that help relieve the symmetrical form. It was built in 1888-89 by R. Scrivener and Son, of Hanley, who were also responsible for the magistrates' court to the rear, built at the same time but in the William and Mary style. Next to the court is the Library, designed by F. R. Lawson and added in 1905-7.

Before the upheaval of industrialisation, Fenton consisted of two separate townships, Fenton Culvert or Great Fenton, and Fenton Vivian or Little Fenton, straddled along the Uttoxeter road. Fenton Vivian, adjoining Stoke and Shelton, is the Fenton mentioned in Domesday Book under the chapter containing Thane Lands. 

It was then let to Alward, a Saxon, who was charged 4s. for a virgate of land. Those Saxon Thanes who maintained their allegiance to the Norman conquerors were left undisturbed and allowed to enjoy their land in peace. 

By the time of Henry III the Manor of Fenton had been annexed to the castle of Newcastle, at a fee of 7s. 4d. per annum and on the services of the castle guard by William de Erdinton who inherited the Staffordshire estates of his father, Sheriff of Staffordshire during the reign of King John."

25th June 1975