Victorian

Timeline

Townhalls

Yield Hall

Greyfriars

Hospitium

New Town Hall

Waterhouse Town Hall

Civic Offices

The Waterhouse Town Hall

What became the first phase of the new Town Hall was completed in 1875 and was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. The new building was of course, built with Reading bricks from Colliers. The building of the new Town Hall meant that much of the older buildings were demolished, leaving only the assembly hall. The Assembly Hall was now too small, so a large concert hall able to seat 1500 peoplewas built. Installed within the new hall was the Willis Organ from the assembly hall.

In the next few years, further buildings were added to the Town Hall. A Public Library and Museum, designed by Thomas Lainson was added in 1883-4 and an Art Gallery in 1897. The money for these buildings was raised by public subscription, where people gave money. The largest donation was made by William Isaac Palmer. When the idea of a public library was first put forward, there was little interest. William Isaac Palmer started a small free library in West Street. This made the idea of a library more attractive to people.