The Martlet

A visit today to Rochdale Town Hall - a friend had booked us a table at the Martlet Restaurant. It had a glowing review from Jay Rayner, the Guardian’s food critic, some months ago. I had rag pie and vegetables, really tasty. And excellent value. My friend could remember when this space (and more) was the council’s canteen, very different fare and presentation.

Rochdale town hall is in my top ten UK buildings - impressive externally, spectacular internally (I love the arts and crafts style). Each space has its delights. The grandest is the great hall, part of which is shown here. Each window is filled with stained glass depicting England’s (and then Great Britain’s) monarchs from 1066. So the window at the far right depicts William1, William II and Henry I. They then sweep around to George III, George IV and Willian IV at the far left. Then two big roundels, the one in the image featuring Victoria and the one facing featuring Albert the Prince Consort. Below him a huge painting featuring the signing of the Magna Carta.

Victoria was due to officially open the town hall, but withdrew outraged when she learnt that Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector after the beheading of Charles I at the end of the Civil War, was given equal billing with the monarchs. He stands proud between Charles’ I and II (extra).

The town hall is now a community asset. I like the little tent and play pieces (play stained glass) in this image. Why shouldn’t this space be a children’s playroom. In extras, an external view.