Public Library

PUBLIC LIBRARY, MARKET PLACE

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Overview

Heritage Category:
Listed Building
Grade:
II
List Entry Number:
1313699
Date first listed:
13-Jan-1984
List Entry Name:
Public Library
Statutory Address:
PUBLIC LIBRARY, MARKET PLACE
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Location

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Date:
2002-06-10
Reference:
IOE01/06130/14
Rights:
© Mr John Bacon. Source: Historic England Archive

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Official list entry

Heritage Category:
Listed Building
Grade:
II
List Entry Number:
1313699
Date first listed:
13-Jan-1984
List Entry Name:
Public Library
Statutory Address 1:
PUBLIC LIBRARY, MARKET PLACE

The scope of legal protection for listed buildings

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

The scope of legal protection for listed buildings

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

Location

Statutory Address:
PUBLIC LIBRARY, MARKET PLACE

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

District:
Kirklees (Metropolitan Authority)
Parish:
Non Civil Parish
National Grid Reference:
SE 24234 24213

Details

SE 22 SW BATLEY MB MARKET SQUARE BATLEY

4/35 Public Library

G.V. II

Carnegie Library dated 1906 by Walter Hanstock of Batley. Pitch faced stone with ashlar dressings. Hipped slate roof. 2 storeys with basement to right due to sloping site, and distinctive 2-tier central clock tower. Symmetrical 5-bay facade with bays 1, 3 and 5 surmounted by pediments and with clasping buttresses. The pediments are flanked by plain parapets and each has richly carved tympanum, the centre one with oculus and 2 carved dragons. The square clock tower has round arched louvred lights flanked by Ionic pilasters,and roundels to 1st tier. Each face of 2nd tier has clock face with deep moulded archivolt and scroll carving. The leaded dome is surmounted by a cupola. Central round arched doorway with segmental archivolt, has paired engaged Ionic columns and richly carved foliage with 2 shields inscribed: AD 1906. 2 round arched ground floor windows with alternately blocked voussoirs to each end bay, and one to bays 2 and 4. lst floor windows of each pedimented bay are divided by long and short Ionic pilasters, and have sunk ashlar apron. The central round arched window has panel below with carved embossed words CARNEGIE LIBRARY. Interior: Half galleried main hall. Prominent town centre site.

Listing NGR: SE2423424213

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:
340940
Legacy System:
LBS

Legal

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

Ordnance survey map of Public Library

Map

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© Crown copyright [and database rights] 2026. OS AC0000815036. Use of this mapping is subject to Terms and Conditions.

End of official list entry

All text content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 , except where otherwise stated. Any supplied maps are © Crown Copyright [and database rights] 2026 OS AC0000815036 and may not be reproduced without permission.

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