History
The present building is an adaptation of the Working Men's Institute, which was built in 1866, chiefly owing to the efforts of the late Countess Waldegrave, and the late Baron Carlingford (then Mr Chichester Fortescue) the latter having, in addition to taking an interest in the Building of the Hall, frequently lectured there on current topics. The building was erected to commemorate the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the foundation stone was laid on June 22nd, 1897, (the stone can be seen set into the right hand side of the building above the door) by the Right Hon. Lord Carlingford, K.P. The enlargement cost about £1,100, and the building comprised of a Reading Room, well supplied with newspapers and periodicals, a Library of over 1,000 volumes, Billard and Refreshment Rooms. In the upper part of the building was a Hall, 55 feet by 34 feet, which was used for Entertainments, Meetings and Technical Instruction purposes.
The wording on the stone is:-
The Foundation Stone
Of this Hall
Erected to Commemorate
The 60th year of the Reign of
Her Majesty Queen Victoria
Was laid on behalf of
The Right Hon.
Lord Carlingford K.P