Leaf Hall

Leaf Hall
Leaf Hall
Location51 Seaside, Eastbourne
Coordinates50°46′16″N 0°17′43″E / 50.771118°N 0.295146°E / 50.771118; 0.295146
OS grid referenceTV6193399348
AreaEast Sussex
Built1864–1864
ArchitectRobert Knott Blessley
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameLeaf Hall
Designated27 July 2017
Reference no.1447081
Leaf Hall is located in East Sussex
Leaf Hall
Location of Leaf Hall in East Sussex

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. Archived 22 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Eastbourne building added to National Heritage List in 2017". Eastbourne Herald. 18 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
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