Salford Lads' Club

Salford Lads' Club
Salford Lads' Club in 2014
Map
General information
LocationOrdsall, Salford, England.
Coordinates53°28′36.73″N 2°16′27.77″W / 53.4768694°N 2.2743806°W / 53.4768694; -2.2743806
Construction started1903 (1903)
Completed1904 (120 years ago) (1904)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Henry Lord

Salford Lads' Club is a recreational club in the Ordsall area of Salford, Greater Manchester, England. The club, on the corner of St. Ignatius Walk and Coronation Street, was established in 1903 as purpose-built club for boys, but today welcomes people of both sexes and organises different activities including sports, and creative and cultural exhibitions. The club also welcomes global visitors for tours on dedicated open days, with merchandise available to purchase to help it remain open.

The club was officially opened on 30 January 1904 by Robert Baden-Powell, who later founded the Scout movement. Former members include footballers Albert McPherson, Steve Fleet, Eddie Colman and Brian Doyle, Allan Clarke, lead singer of 1960s pop group The Hollies, and Graham Nash, guitarist, songwriter and singer with The Hollies who went on to form Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.[1]

The building gained listed status in 2003 as its tiled interior is virtually unchanged with original fittings and includes a boxing ring, snooker rooms and a gym with a viewing balcony. English Heritage said: "The building is thought to be the most complete example of this rare form of social provision to survive in England."[2] In 2007, the Manchester Evening News reported that the building, which was used for the sleeve of The Smiths album The Queen Is Dead, came third in a nationwide hunt to find the most iconic buildings in the country.[3]

  1. ^ "Salford Lads and Girls Club". BBC Mid Wales. 22 May 2008. Archived from the original on 18 June 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2008.
  2. ^ Keeling, Neal (7 February 2007). "The real Corrie to be saved for the future". Manchester Evening News. M.E.N. Media.
  3. ^ Keeling, Neal (16 January 2007). "Lads club is a national icon". Manchester Evening News. M.E.N. Media. Retrieved 12 July 2007.