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.
| Leaf Hall | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Leaf Hall | |
| Location | 51 Seaside, Eastbourne |
| Coordinates | 50°46′16″N 0°17′43″E |
| OS grid reference | TV6193399348 |
| Area | East Sussex |
| Built | 1864–1864 |
| Architect | Robert Knott Blessley |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name: Leaf Hall | |
| Designated | 27 July 2017 |
| Reference no. | 1447081 |
  Location of Leaf Hall in East Sussex | |
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
- Historic England. "Leaf Hall (1447081)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- Butlins site among landmarks protected by Historic England. BBC News, 18 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- The History of Leaf Hall – Eastbourne’s oldest public building. Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
- "Eastbourne building added to National Heritage List in 2017". Eastbourne Herald. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
