The town hall is situated on King St and it was built between 1899 and 1901, opening on the 28 Jun 1901. It was built in the Gothic style and is of Accrington brick construction with Yorkshire sandstone dressings and a slate roof. It is E-shaped in plan, two storeys high with a basement, and a symmetrical front. In the centre is a clock tower containing the entrance with steps leading up to a doorway. It cost nearly £15,000 to build it and the architects were Messrs John Eaton & Sons of Ashton-under-Lyne. A Mr Hague acted as clerk of works.

Dukinfield Town Hall, early 20th century.

The architect was Col John Eaton Jr (1838-25 Nov 1905) of John Eaton & Sons whose architectural practice was at Ashton-under-Lyne. Of his many architectural commissions, the jewel in his crown is undoubtedly Dukinfield Town Hall. In addition to being an architect, John Eaton was the Lieutenant Colonel and Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Manchester Regiment (Ashton Volunteers). In 1902 he was awarded membership of the Military Division of the Knights Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB). He was connected with Christ Church, Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, and he was buried in the churchyard with full military honours.

Col John Eaton Jr.

On the 2 Aug 1899 a Charter of Incorporation was granted to Dukinfield and the town hall was commissioned as a symbolic expression of the town’s new civic status following its incorporation as a borough.

Dukinfield Charter Incorporation Medal.

Dukinfield Borough Council

The Dukinfield Coat of Arms was granted on the 24 Mar 1900. The arms and crest are based upon those of the Duckenfield family. The pointed cross is its symbol and the hand holding a sun is also part of the family arms. The two feathers are from the arms of the Prince of Wales. The vallary or palisado crown, forming spikes, is a symbol of civic government. The raven was known locally as a ‘doken’ and it is understood that this is the origin of the family name of ‘Duckenfield’ and the town name of ‘Dukinfield’. The wheatsheaf is from the arms of the Earls of Chester and the County of Chester (Cheshire).

The motto is, ‘INTEGRITY’.

The town hall is listed Grade II, List Entry No. 1403441.

Past Mayor’s medal.

Medals were presented to Past Mayors after their term of office.