King Edward's Hall, dedicated to King Edward VII, was constructed in 1911 by Washington Singer using red brick with stone window features and a tiled roof. On the 24th of June 1911, Singer laid the foundation stone into the wall by the front doors, which remains visible today.
The first committee meeting of the Hall was held in 1919, during which Mrs. Cannon, the caretaker, was paid 5 shillings a week (equivalent to about 50p in today's money). Her wages increased to 10 shillings in 1926 and £1.00 in 1941. The Hall could be hired up to 10pm for 2 shillings, and any later than that, it was 4 shillings.
In the days before television, the Hall was referred to as the Reading Room, and various forms of entertainment were offered. Mrs. Singer had a love for music and would bring entertainers from London to perform for the villagers. The Singer family generously donated a full-sized snooker table, which had to be recovered in 1920 at a cost of £15.15s. A 'whist drive' was organized to celebrate the opening of the newly covered table, with a 50-up match played between Mr. Washington Singer and Mr. Allen, which Mr. Singer won.
Portrait of Washington Singer that hangs in the Hall
King Edward VII
There was a variety of board games, books, card tables and various other items for entertainment –some donated by the Singer family. Throughout the years, the Hall has been used by many organisations including The Girl Guides, The Scouts and the Woman’s Institute.
Soon after WWI, the Secretary of the War Savings Association was given a captured German rifle in acknowledgement of the efforts by the Association for raising funds for the war effort. He presented the rifle to the Hall and it was displayed until stolen in the 1970’s.
Soon after WWI, the Secretary of the War Savings Association was given a captured German rifle in acknowledgement of the efforts by the Association for raising funds for the war effort. He presented the rifle to the Hall and it was displayed until stolen in the 1970’s.
In December 1943, on a Sunday evening, a concert was held in a hall where a program of spirituals, songs, and quintets was performed by African American soldiers. The soldiers received gratitude from the entertainment committee of the Hall, and a silver collection was taken to support the Prisoner of War Fund.
In 1946, after the death of Mr. Grant Singer in North Africa during WWII, his estate was sold, and King Edward's Hall was handed over to the village to be held in trust for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of West Tytherley. It was registered as a charity, and the deed of covenant specified that it should be used for physical and mental training, recreational activities, intellectual development through reading, as well as serving as a recreational room, library, and a venue for lectures and classes.
The Hall is managed by a Management Committee that holds monthly meetings, and an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held every year to re-elect members. Anyone over 18 years old and living within the parish may attend and vote at the AGM, and other organizations may also be represented on the committee.
Over the years, the Hall has been maintained and upgraded, including a successful fundraising effort to repair the roof in 1974 (with the £2,000 cost re-paid in under 2 years!). However, as the Hall is now over a century old, it requires significant work both inside and outside to keep it in good condition.
Over the years, the Hall has been maintained and upgraded, including a successful fundraising effort to repair the roof in 1974 (with the £2,000 cost re-paid in under 2 years!). However, as the Hall is now over a century old, it requires significant work both inside and outside to keep it in good condition.
West Tytherley is fortunate to have such an asset, and maintaining it for future generations will require support from the community.
We are grateful to Ann Harkus for compiling this brief history of King Edward's Hall.
We are grateful to Ann Harkus for compiling this brief history of King Edward's Hall.