Mechanics Institutes

The History

The first Mechanics Institute began in 1821 as an educational institute for working class adults.

By 1840 over 300 were in existence in the UK .

They were found in most urban areas although predominantly in the North of England.

Funding for the institutes came from local industrialists.

By 1900 other forms of adult education became available and the institutes dwindled.

What records can you find?

Records of enrollment, achievement and funding survive in a variety of places.

These include University libraries, County Records Offices and local Museums.

The best way to find out if a record survives and where it is to visit the A2A website and use the search facility.