Watts Warehouse, Victorian textile warehouse in central Manchester, England
The Watts Warehouse is a five-story sandstone structure with different architectural styles on each floor, ranging from Italian Renaissance to French Renaissance and Flemish decorations. It now operates as the Britannia Hotel with 363 bedrooms while maintaining numerous original interior features, including the iron cantilever staircase.
Built between 1851 and 1856 by architects Travis & Mangnall, the building represented Manchester's dominance in the global cotton trade during the 19th century. Its construction occurred during the city's peak textile production era, when such warehouses formed the economic backbone of the region.
The entrance features a bronze sculpture from 1922 called 'The Sentry' by Charles Sargeant Jagger, which honors employees who died in World War I. This memorial reflects how the building connects to the community's past.
The building now houses a hotel with many restored original features from its earlier use that are visible when exploring inside. Its central location in Manchester makes it easy to reach and visit, whether staying overnight or simply viewing the interior architecture.
The roof pavilions feature large Gothic wheel windows that distinguish this warehouse from others in the city. These architectural details are visible from outside and show the attention paid to decoration even in practical structures.
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