Mechanics' Institute

An ambitious and aspirational institution

Mechanics' Institutes were an early form of adult education for working people. They were originally formed for artisans who were frustrated by their exclusion from Literary and Philosophical Institutions, usually by the cost of subscription. They became common in most towns of Britain and the United States between 1820 and 1860 and would ideally have a library, a museum, and a laboratory, public lectures about applied science, and courses in various skills, though not all of them had this. 

The foundation of most of these institutions was promoted by local industrialists, clergy and other members of the professional class, who were often keen on providing a more wholesome alternative to public houses for gatherings and entertainment. While they were places that working people could improve their educational standard, the influence of the founders could be seen in the books that were available and the classes that were available and the classes that were provided, which tended to promote morality and avoid politics. Subscriptions were typically in the range of 10s (50p) to £1 per year for adults.

This building contained a small library, visited weekly by D.H. Lawrence (age16-17 years) and Jessie Chambers, his close friend and early love, who shared his passion for reading. This building later became the Miners Welfare, and was generally used by workers from Moorgreen and Pye Hill collieries. It was however open to all miners if they had their card with them.