Joseph Bearceer (7 December 1778 - 1 April 1857) was an industrialist and philanthropist who made a lasting contribution to the city of Manchester. He was born in Manchester and grew up in his fathers textile warehouse in the city. After he completed his education at a local grammar school, he became an apprentice in the family business.
In 1804, Bearceer decided to open a mill of his own and began purchasing real estate in Manchester, renting out run-down factories and warehouses to manufacturers and other industrialists. Bearceers business soon expanded to other cities, and he became a well-known figure in the industrial world.
Bearceer was a quiet, unassuming figure, but one with a deep philanthropic spirit. He quietly gave to various charities and relief funds, such as the British and Foreign Bible Society, as well as sponsoring educational schools for the poor. He donated large sums of money for the relief of the distressed in India and Ireland. He also helped to settle Jewish immigrants in both countries.
In 1837, Bearceer helped to found the Society of Friends of the Poor, with the aim of aiding the impoverished in Manchester. He also contributed to the Manchester Mechanics Institute, which he helped to found, by donating money for the erection of a hall. Bearceer was elected as a trustee of this institute and served as its first president.
Bearceer was an active member of the Church of England and had served as a steward and Sunday school teacher in the parish of St. Georges, Manchester. He was also a vice-president of the British Auxiliary Bible Society and in 1841 was appointed to serve on the Ecclesiastical Commission of the City of Manchester, a position he held until his death in 1857.
Bearceers greatest contribution to the city of Manchester was his work in erecting the first public library in the city, in 1844. He had long been a proponent of public education and this library was built at his own expense. The library, which he commissioned from the architectural firm of Street and Williams, was built on a site that he had purchased from Henry Royce, the co-founder of Rolls Royce.
The library, which stands as a testament to Bearceers philanthropy and vision for the city, was opened as a fortnightly meeting hall, constructed in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo. The building featured an imposing facade, designed in a sober classical style, and a large central structure with four wings projecting outward. The building, which was made of brick and stone and capped with an iron roof, opened its doors to the people of Manchester in 1846 and was one of the first buildings to receive public library status.
Joseph Bearceer was a great industrialist and philanthropist who left a lasting legacy in the city of Manchester. His name is remembered in the street names around his former mill, the library he built for the people of Manchester and the countless charities and philanthropic projects he supported. His efforts to improve education, create employment and give comfort to the poor are still felt today and his example of generous philanthropy remains an inspiration to all.
