The spacious apartments in the upper story of the Market Hall are occupied by the
MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION,
originally established in 1825, and supported by subscriptions and donations. The present number of the members is 200. The Library comprises 2000 volumes, and the Reading Room is supplied with Periodicals and Newspapers. There are Classes for the English and French languages, Arithmetic, Mathematics, Music, Writing, Modelling and Drawing; and during the winter months Lectures are delivered every fortnight. The subscription is Ten Shillings and upwards per annum for members, and Five Shillings for students.
On the south side of the Market Square are
THE PUBLIC ROOMS,
erected in 1840, by Mr. Stant, after the design of Mr. Haycock. On the ground floor in front is the principal entrance to the
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION NEWS-ROOM,
which is immediately above, and also to the spacious