Explore Manchester’s Rich History at the Corn Exchange

(Ariel footage of the Corn Exchange Glass Dome. Courtesy of Andy Mallins Photography.)

Visit our beautiful building today, you will notice the glass domed roof in the atrium which has existed since the rebirth of the building in the early 1900’s.

The dome has survived 2 bombings and still stands as one of the iconic parts of the Corn Exchange.

It is a feat of engineering as when built in 1902, creating a simple and symmetrical roof for the Exchange floor presented considerable difficulties as natural light was required to allow merchants to check the corn’s quality but it was also necessary to preserve light to the back of the lower storeys inside.

As each of the three sides of the Corn Exchange building differed in length along Hanging Ditch (now Exchange Square), Fennel Street and Cathedral Street and it was necessary to have roof lines parallel with each of these streets, the result was an irregular triangle shape, covered by a coved roof which then supports a circular dome.

A reporter from the Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian newspaper) visited the Corn Exchange once completed and wrote the following description in the newspaper in February 1902:

“The main roof is carried on an arcade parallel with the walls at a distance of about 18 feet, and this space is covered by a coved roof brought down so far and in such a way that the first-floor offices have ample direct light. The arcade supporting the roof is of columns 24 feet high and arches rising to 36 feet. At a height if 44feet is a cornice or balcony, projecting 4 feet with massive consoles underneath. This balcony, while crowning the arcade effectively and forming a bold seat for the springing of the dome, is of great value constructively, as it is of concrete and helps considerably in counter-acting the thrust of the roof. From this point springs a cove, the three sides meeting in a triangle 66 feet above the floor, and upon this rests the central dome, which is 30 feet in diameter. The constructional parts are of steel. The upper reaches of the cove are glazed, and the lower ones, as well as the stanchions and arcades, are clothed with wood and ornamental plaster for decoration. Altogether the interior is not only imposing in its dimensions. but is also interesting as an engineering feat. The great roof was constructed over the old roofs, and finished before disturbing them, so that business should not be interrupted.”

(Renovation of the Glass Dome, 2015. Courtesy of Adrian Lambert Photography.)