Leaf Hall

Leaf Hall

Leaf Hall is a grade II listed former working men's institute in Eastbourne, East Sussex. It was built in 1863-64 to a design by Robert Knott Blessley in a continental gothic style for the philanthropist William Leaf.[1][2] It was closely associated with the temperance movement.[3] The building now serves as a community arts centre.

The foundation stone stated the building’s purpose was "to promote the social, moral and spiritual welfare of the working classes of Eastbourne". The hall's facilities included a coffee room, lending library and reading room, smoking room, skittle yard and a lecture room capable of seating 200 people. In the absence of a local theatre the hall was used for staging visiting shows, including General Tom Thumb in 1865. [4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Historic England. "Leaf Hall (1447081)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  2. ↑ Butlins site among landmarks protected by Historic England. BBC News, 18 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  3. ↑ The History of Leaf Hall – Eastbourne’s oldest public building. Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  4. ↑ "Eastbourne building added to National Heritage List in 2017". Eastbourne Herald. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
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