South Yorkshire Times January 18, 1947
Some Historical reminiscences from “Montgomery”
Taking advantage of a sunny morning and the first film I’ve been able to procure for months I charged my camera the other day, went out “snapping” a few objects of interest, and incidentally, the Wath Town Hall – here is the result!
Formally a Mansion
The Town Hall was formerly a Mansion House, erected on the site where stood the residence of the old Wath Saville family, and was surrounded by high stone walls, much resembling the exterior of a prison.
In the 70s it was occupied by a Capt Earnshaw, the last private occupant being the late Mr Frederick Johnson, a brother of the late Mr W Blake Johnson.
The Hall was purchased in 1892 by the late Mr Spedding Whitworth, at a cost of £3,000 in the Council took over the property at this price, Mr Whitworth remarking that he had purchased it for the benefit of the town to prevent speculative builders from developing this open space.
Afterwards the stone walls were raised to the ground, and the old stone staircase on the north side, abutting on West Street, as to which several elopement, and other legends are related – was removed, and the splendid structure and grounds were thrown open to the gaze of the public by the erection of palisadings on a much lower boundary wall.
The Council Chamber
The building and outbuildings have from time to time undergone alteration, and re-alteration. At present the Council Chamber is one of the finest in the district. In addition to the council chamber, with its fine dome and pleasing surroundings, it possesses a “Mayor’s Parlour” and retiring rooms.
Oil paintings of the late Mr Spedding Whitworth, Mr JB Wigfield, Mr John Blackburn, and Mr William Robson (all former chairman of the Council) grace the Council Chamber, in addition to a grandfather clock, the gift of the late Mr Hutt. The officials are accommodated in the building, and the staff centralised under one roof.
An up-to-date fire engine is located in the depot adjoining, and the remainder of the outbuildings have been converted into sheds et cetera for housing the councils motor wagons.
The grounds are tastefully laid out, and uses a public park. In summer flowerbeds are a profusion of blue and greatly admired by residents and visitors. The photograph of the town hall shows the main entrance from the cell. At the rear is a natural terrace overlooking the more extensive portion of the grounds.
There is one notable omission, however, from the photograph. A handsome drinking fountain to the memory of the late Mr Spedding Whitworth.