The Abel Heywood, Manchester

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 5 Oct 2015

The Abel Heywood, a recently opened (December 2014) Hydes pub, restaurant and boutique hotel http://www.abelheywood.co.uk/ on the corner of Turner Street and Red Lion Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. It opened in December 2014 after conversion from a (fire-damaged) semi-derelict building (warehouse?). Abel Heywood (1810 – 1893) was an English publisher, radical and twice mayor of Manchester. In 1831 he set up a penny reading room in Manchester; his bookselling business in Oldham Street was successful and continued for many years. Heywood was an active Chartist and his business published much of the reading material of the town's movement, including the Northern Star. In 1841, he was elected treasurer of the National Charter Association, as well as sitting on the executive committee. At the same time he campaigned actively for the incorporation of the city and, once this was achieved, was elected to the council in 1843. Heywood served as alderman in 1853 and in 1859 stood unsuccessfully as a Radical Liberal candidate for Manchester. His first term as Mayor was in 1862–1863, during the cotton famine. He became Mayor again in 1876–1877. A major achievement was his role in guiding Manchester Town Hall to its completion; the clock bell of the Town Hall, "Great Abel", is named after Heywood. Heywood had a son, also named Abel, who continued his business. The gable end of the building carries the name “Abel Heywood and Son”, perhaps this building housed his printing presses? See also Image] and Image

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