Library History
Foundation Stone Laying.
in the village of Steeple Claydon there are already many evidences of the benevolence and kindly thought of the Verney family. On Thursday, April 10, a ceremony was performed which was the initial step in the erection of new Public Library, which is to be presented to the village by Sir Edmund Verney, the foundation stone being laid the presence of a large company, by Lady Verney. It may be of interest to note that the village adopted the Public Libraries’ Act on Feb. 7, 1901, and in May last year Sir Edmund Verney purchased Elm Villa, the residence of the late Mrs. Collins, and placed it at the disposal of the Committee, which comprised Sir Edmund Verney, Miss Verney, Mr. and Mrs. Farmborough. Sir. and Mrs. Ingram, Mr. A. Allen, Miss Whitham, Mrs. Dodge, Mr. Collingridge, Mr. Stribling, Mrs. Lancaster, Mr. Fincher. Dr. and Miss Benson, Mr. Inwood, Miss Beck, Mr. and Mrs. Kidston; and Mr. W. (clerk to the Parish Council) was appointed secretary, with Miss Beck (honorary librarian), assisted by Miss Benson. Since the establishment of the Library about 120 volumes have been issued weekly, and .the venture has proved successful Sir Edmund Verney has determined to provide new quarters for the Library. The old Chaloner Schools were given to the parish of Steeple Claydon the year 1656, being purchased last year from the Chaloner Trustees by Sir Edmund Verney. It is proposed to add to the building a room 45ft. by 20ft., with height of 23ft. The room will used a village hall, in connection with the Public Library, which will be placed in the original portion of the premises. The new room is being built from designs by the well-known architect, Mr. Raymond Unwin, of Buxton, and when completed—about the end of September next—will form striking addition to the buildings in the village. The chief external features are a colonnade running nearly the whole length of the room, and containing benches for use fine weather, and a long roof in which will be inserted dormer windows of unique design. The interior chiefly notable for the construction of the visible roof timbers, the maple block floor, and the wood dado, surmounted by a shelf specially designed to carry pictures, rases, and other decorative objects; also for the arched ingle having a fireplace on th« hearth, and the rustic benches on either side. The backs of these benches are to be fitted with very old oak carved panels from Claydon House. The building is to be warmed with hot air. It built of red brick, with red stone dressings from the Penrith quarries, and tiled roofing. The space the colonnade, with the seats, will face the south, and will be open to the public, and portion of the garden ground to the west has been detached and enclosed with iron palisading, being surrounded with shrubs and flowers, which will the same time give drive to the front of the Library. The work is being carried out under the supervision of Mr. J. H. Robertson, estate steward. The contract has been placed the hands of Messrs. Grimsley and Sons, of Bicester, and the cost will be about £1,300. The weather was fine, but an exceedingly bitter wind was blowing, the conditions being thus none too favourable for an out-door function. The building not yet very far advanced, and bunting and flags floated from the surrounding scaffolding. to be continued …………
