Cheetham Town Hall: Politics, Protest & Public Space

Cheetham, a district just north of Manchester city centre, has long been a place where communities gathered to debate, organise, and campaign. At the heart of this tradition stood Cheetham Town Hall , a building that not only functioned as a civic hub but also became a stage for politics, protest, and public life. Though it is less well known than Manchester’s grand Town Hall on Albert Square, Cheetham’s own hall played an important role in shaping local democracy and giving a voice to working-class residents. Origins of Cheetham Town Hall Cheetham Town Hall was established in the 19th century, during a period of rapid urbanisation. Manchester was expanding, and Cheetham grew as a dense residential and industrial area. With new factories, housing, and waves of migrants, there was an urgent need for civic spaces where people could meet, discuss local concerns, and hold official functions. The building itself reflected Victorian municipal pride—solid architecture designed to convey au...