Anstice Memorial

The Anstice Institute and Workman's Club was built in 1866 to honour the memory of John Anstice. Its red-bricked facade is a mixture of Norman and Gothic styles designed by John Johnson of London. It cost £3,000 to build. It originally had a reading room and library with approximately 2,000 volumes. There was a smoking room and offices, and a large hall capable of holding 600 people. A management committee was elected by the members, and finance arranged via subscriptions and an endowment fund.

Extensive Interests

The Anstices, during the 19th century, were mine owners and Ironmasters and lived at Madeley Wood Hall. Their interests in local mines and ironworks were extensive, owning the Madeley Wood Company.

Madeley Wood Ironworks

The Anstices inherited The Madeley Wood Ironworks and several other enterprises from the great William Reynolds. He was a cousin of William Anstice. The Bedlam Furnaces at Madeley Wood were moved to the Blists Hill Works beside the Shropshire Canal in 1832. It was to make the company more profitable.

Benefactors

The family were also involved heavily in the community. They were Justices of the Peace, officers in local regiments and benefactors. John Anstice, after whom the Anstice Memorial Hall was named, had the reputation of being a generous man. He got on well with his workers - keeping them employed during difficult times. Safety was important in his works. He was known to weep with the bereaved when accidents did occur.

Wise Counsel

Despite his own poor health, he was always ready to help or advice those in need. After his death in 1866, people felt that he should be honoured.

Posterity

It was a privilege to dedicate the building to the memory of John Anstice. So stated William Orme Foster at the official opening of The Anstice Memorial Institute. A building that posterity would forever associate with John Anstice.