George Edward Bolshaw: Architect of Hanover Chapel, Burnley
George Edward Bolshaw was a respected architect of the 19th century, known for his contributions to the architectural landscape in and around Burnley. Among his notable works is the design of Hanover Chapel, a distinguished building that has since evolved from its original purpose as a place of worship to its current role as the home of Burnley Plumbing Supplies. Bolshaw’s architectural vision for Hanover Chapel highlighted his ability to create structures that would stand the test of time, both in design and functionality.
Hanover Chapel’s history reflects Burnley’s evolving industrial and commercial landscape. After serving as a spiritual center, it was later occupied by the Patent Wringer Company, a significant player in the production of domestic appliances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bolshaw’s sturdy and adaptable design enabled the building to transition smoothly between diverse functions, each time meeting the needs of the community in new ways.
Today, Burnley Plumbing Supplies honors the legacy of both Bolshaw’s work and the chapel’s varied past by occupying this historic building. The chapel, with its attached Sunday school now serving as a warehouse, stands as a testament to Bolshaw’s architectural talent and his lasting impact on Burnley. The building remains a symbol of continuity and adaptability, bridging the town’s past and present while serving as a proud heritage site within Burnley’s industrial and commercial framework.
George Edward Bolshaw (1863-1938): Architect of Distinction
Birth and Early Life
George Edward Bolshaw, born on March 26, 1863, in Crewe, was the eldest son of George Bolshaw, a butcher, and his wife Ann. Bolshaw was educated at Ashville College in Harrogate, where he cultivated a passion for architecture. This drive led him to pursue architectural training and ultimately establish himself as a significant architect in the North of England.
Early Career and Partnerships
Bolshaw began his own architectural practice in Crewe in 1884, quickly gaining recognition. In 1885, he entered into a partnership with Samuel Hurst in Southport. Hurst had been previously associated with notable architects Maxwell and Tuke. However, their partnership ended in 1889, shortly before Hurst’s bankruptcy and subsequent death. Bolshaw remained in Southport, where he continued his practice for the rest of his career. He briefly partnered with Henry J. Stevens, an architect based in Harrogate, though their collaboration concluded in December 1906 after only a few commissions.
Professional Achievements
George Edward Bolshaw’s career spanned the design and construction of numerous buildings, including chapels, schools, isolation hospitals, and commercial premises, mostly concentrated in Northern England. His work demonstrated versatility and a clear understanding of diverse architectural demands, securing several high-profile commissions through competitive bids. One of his crowning achievements was the Leyland Arcade in Southport—a grand structure featuring forty-five shops and other facilities, hailed as one of Europe’s finest arcades at the time. Bolshaw’s reputation in architectural circles was cemented by his fellowship with the Manchester Society of Architects, though he did not pursue membership in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Hanover Chapel, Burnley
Among Bolshaw’s significant projects was the Hanover Chapel in Burnley, a chapel that would later become an integral part of Burnley’s industrial and commercial evolution. Originally designed as a place of worship, the chapel later housed the Patent Wringer Company before becoming the home of Burnley Plumbing Supplies. Bolshaw’s solid and adaptable design allowed the building to transition seamlessly through these various uses, providing a lasting legacy that reflects Burnley’s changing landscape.
Personal Life
In 1891, Bolshaw married Margaret Alice Ormerod, with whom he had one daughter. In August 1936, he traveled to South Africa, a rare departure from his career in England. Bolshaw continued his work until his passing on July 30, 1938, in Southport. He was laid to rest at Liverpool Road Cemetery in Birkdale, Southport.
Addresses and Residences
Bolshaw’s professional and personal addresses spanned several locations. During his early years, he lived in Crewe and later moved to Southport, where he worked primarily from his Lord Street offices. His last known residence was Clairville Mansions in Birkdale, Southport.
Legacy
George Edward Bolshaw’s architectural contributions, especially in Southport and Burnley, reflect his dedication to creating functional, aesthetically enduring buildings. His work on projects like Hanover Chapel and the Leyland Arcade illustrates his vision and lasting impact on Northern England’s architectural heritage.
Name
George Edward Bolshaw
Designation Architect
Born 1863
Place of Birth Crewe
Location Southport
Died 1938
- Birth date 26 March 1863 at Crewe
- Marriage July-September 1891 to Margaret Alice Ormerod at Ormskirk district
- Death date 30 July 1938 Southport
- Burial Liverpool Road Cemetery, Birkdale Southport
George Edward Bolshaw was born at Crewe on 26 March 1863, the eldest son of George Bolshaw, butcher, and his wife Ann. He was educated at Ashville College, Harrogate before training as an architect. G E Bolshaw commenced practice on his own account in 1884 at Crewe and in 1885 he joined Samuel Hurst in partnership at Southport, Hurst having previously been in partnership with Maxwell and Tuke as Maxwell Tuke and Hurst in that town. The partnership with Hurst was dissolved in July 1889 shortly before Samuel Hurst’s bankruptcy and suicide. G E Bolshaw practiced in Southport for the rest of his career while also maintaining an office in Crewe for several years. He was briefly in partnership with Henry J. Stevens* as G. E. Bolshaw and H. J. Stevens, with an office at 1 Princes Street, Harrogate. The partnership carried out few commissions and was dissolved in December 1906.
Bolshaw designed and superintended the erection of numerous chapels, schools, isolation hospitals, commercial buildings, etc., mostly in the north of England, securing several commissions in open competition. Perhaps his greatest work was the Leyland Arcade, Southport, which comprised forty-five shops, with other premises, and at the time was considered one of the finest arcades in Europe. He was a Fellow of the Manchester Society of Architects but never sought membership of the RIBA. He married Margaret Alice Ormrod in 1891 and had one daughter. In August 1936 he travelled to South Africa.
George Edward Bolshaw died on 30 July 1938 Southport and was interred at Liverpool Road Cemetery, Birkdale Southport.
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Address
1889 Hurst and Bolshaw 175 Lord Street Southport
1898 George E Bolshaw FMSA 189 Lord Street Southport
1903 George E Bolshaw FMSA 189 Lord Street Southport
1913 G E Bolshaw 2 Mill Street Crewe
1913 G E Bolshaw Westminster Chambers,106 Lord Street Southport
1914 G E Bolshaw 106 Lord Street Southport
1924 G E Bolshaw 8-9 Westminster Chambers,106 Lord Street Southport
1934 G E Bolshaw 106 Lord Street Southport
Residence
1881-1891 Underwood Villa, West Street, Crewe
1901 73 Hampton Road, North Meols
1938 Clairville Mansions, Gloucester Road, Birkdale, Southport (Probate)
Reference The London Gazette, July 26, 1889. Page 4029
Reference Pike Contemporary Biographies page 205 with photograph
Reference Building News 4 January 1907 page 12
Obituary Builder 12 August 1938 Page 305
· Henry J Stevens was born in Northwich in 1871 and in 1901 was living at Low Harrogate. In the census he is described as an Architects Assistant in the census return. In 1911 he is resident in Birkdale, Southport, his occupation that of Architectural Assistant. The nature of the partnership with G E Bolshaw is unclear and almost certainly applied to the Harrogate office only.