Lecture Hall, Ewell, Surrey

Built on a plot of land adjacent to Congregational Church, the foundation stone of which was laid on 24 July by Earl of Rosebury. According to press reports the hall was opened on 14 November 1878. Kelly'sDirectory of 1891 states that a scholl and public hall had been erected adjoining the Congregational chapel at a cost of about £1,500 which accords with the report in the Builder. However, its exact site and subsequent history have yet to be established.

A new lecture-hall was opened at Ewell, Surrey, on Thursday week. The building is Domestic Gothic in style, in harmony with the adjacent Congregational church. The hall itself seats 400 persons in the area, on chairs; the platform is spacious, and semi-circular in shape, and the roof is of hammer-beam construction. 'The building is heated by a gill stove and lighted by gas; at the rear is a committee room. The building has been erected within four months by Mr. W. Shearburn, of Dorking, from plans by Messrs. Spalding and Evans, at a total cost, including fittings, of £1,510. [Building News 22 November 1878 page 548]

Reference        Building News 28 June 1878 page xvii  - tenders
Reference        Surrey Gazette 30 July 1878 page 5
Reference        West Surrey Times 13 July 1878 page7 - foundation
Reference        Croydon Times 9 November 1878 page 2-3 – opening Thursday next (14 November 1878)