India House, Manchester
India House in Manchester is a historically significant building located on Whitworth Street. Constructed in 1906, it originally served as a packing and shipping warehouse for Lloyd's Packing Warehouses Limited, which, after a series of mergers, emerged as a dominant force in Manchester鈥檚 commercial packing sector in the early 20th century. The structure is designed in the Edwardian Baroque style, characterized by its steel frame and an elegant cladding of buff terracotta and red brick, complemented by buff terracotta dressings.
Designed by Harry S. Fairhurst, India House showcases his architectural prowess, also evident in nearby structures such as Bridgewater House and Lancaster House. Fairhurst鈥檚 designs are notable for their robust, steel-framed construction and high-quality fireproof specifications, ensuring durability and safety.
The layout of India House was meticulously planned to support its logistic functions. The building features a raised ground floor with a showroom and offices designed to impress clients, while the first floor houses additional offices and spaces like waiting rooms, and sample and pattern rooms. The upper floors, used for actual packing operations, were more utilitarian with large windows to maximize natural lighting. India House is also notable for its cultural significance, having been the residence of Noel Gallagher in the 1990s, where he wrote the hit song "Live Forever."
The building has been recognized as a Grade II* listed building since October 2, 1974, underscoring its architectural and historical importance. It is part of a conservation area designated by Manchester City Council in September 1974, which was established to preserve the area reflecting the rich history of the textile industry in the city center. This conservation area, initially bounded by several major streets and the Piccadilly to Oxford Road railway viaduct was later expanded in June 1985. The designation of India House and its surrounding area highlights Manchester鈥檚 commitment to preserving its industrial heritage while celebrating its cultural history.
Designed by Harry S. Fairhurst, India House showcases his architectural prowess, also evident in nearby structures such as Bridgewater House and Lancaster House. Fairhurst鈥檚 designs are notable for their robust, steel-framed construction and high-quality fireproof specifications, ensuring durability and safety.
The layout of India House was meticulously planned to support its logistic functions. The building features a raised ground floor with a showroom and offices designed to impress clients, while the first floor houses additional offices and spaces like waiting rooms, and sample and pattern rooms. The upper floors, used for actual packing operations, were more utilitarian with large windows to maximize natural lighting. India House is also notable for its cultural significance, having been the residence of Noel Gallagher in the 1990s, where he wrote the hit song "Live Forever."
The building has been recognized as a Grade II* listed building since October 2, 1974, underscoring its architectural and historical importance. It is part of a conservation area designated by Manchester City Council in September 1974, which was established to preserve the area reflecting the rich history of the textile industry in the city center. This conservation area, initially bounded by several major streets and the Piccadilly to Oxford Road railway viaduct was later expanded in June 1985. The designation of India House and its surrounding area highlights Manchester鈥檚 commitment to preserving its industrial heritage while celebrating its cultural history.
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India House on Map
Sight Name: India House
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manchester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Manchester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manchester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manchester Historical Architecture Tour
Manchester鈥檚 architecture is rich in styles. Throughout centuries, the city has evolved in phases, each of which left its peculiar imprint on the city's architectural tapestry. Here, you can see medieval red-brick buildings coexisting harmoniously with concrete-and-glass structures from the modern era.
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Manchester Introduction Walking Tour
The seventh most populated city in England, Manchester is an important cultural, industrial and historic center.
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Edwardian Architecture Tour
A product of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is noted for its warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals, reflecting the most ambitious and exciting phase of the city's history.
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Sweet Shops in Manchester
Heading up Oldham Street from Picadilly Gardens you arrive at The Northern Quarter; the 鈥榗ool鈥� part of Manchester, think Brooklyn, Shoreditch, Le Marais; trendy young things with fancy haircuts frequent the coffee houses, boutique and vintage shops during the day and the bars once night-time...