Stourbridge Town Hall, nestled in the heart of Stourbridge, West Midlands, is a beacon of historical and architectural magnificence. This Grade II listed building stands as a testament to the town's rich history and vibrant cultural heritage. The town hall, with its striking red brick facade and intricate terracotta dressings, is not just a building but a symbol of civic pride and community spirit.
The origins of Stourbridge Town Hall date back to the late 15th century when the first town hall was constructed on the High Street. This initial structure, designed with arcading on the ground floor to facilitate markets, was supported by six pillars that upheld an assembly room on the first floor. However, this building was demolished in 1773 as part of a road-widening scheme.
A new market hall, designed by John White in the neoclassical style, was then erected slightly to the southwest of the original site and opened its doors on 27 October 1827. This market hall was later supplemented by a corn exchange built on Market Street in 1850, where civic meetings were held.
In the 1880s, the decision was made to demolish the old corn exchange and construct a new town hall to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. The new building, designed by Thomas Robinson in the Renaissance style, was built at a cost of £5,000 and officially opened by Lord Beauchamp, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, on 14 November 1887. The complex was further expanded with the addition of a new corn exchange and a fire station the following year.
The architectural design of Stourbridge Town Hall is truly captivating. The main hall, set back from the Market Street frontage, is five bays wide and crowned with a cupola. The front of the main hall features a seven-bay screen that forms the central section of a larger seventeen-bay frontage. The middle bay of this central section boasts an arched doorway with an iron gate, flanked by paired pilasters supporting an entablature with a date stone and a segmental gable containing a carved tympanum.
To the left of the central section is a two-bay section with a tall tower featuring a pyramid-shaped roof, a belfry, and a weather vane. At each end of the building, four-bay pavilions with central gables containing carved tympanums add to the grandeur of the structure. The use of red brick and terracotta dressings throughout the building enhances its visual appeal and historical charm.
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Stourbridge Town Hall has been a focal point for civic and cultural activities throughout its history. On 29 January 1894, the statesman Joseph Chamberlain delivered a significant speech at the town hall, criticizing the government of William Gladstone. This speech led to Gladstone's resignation in March 1894.
The town's population grew significantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the flourishing glass-making industry. Stourbridge became an urban district in late 1894 and a municipal borough in 1914, with the town hall serving as its headquarters.
Over the years, the town hall has hosted numerous notable events and performances. One of the founders of the Labour Party, Keir Hardie, delivered a speech here on 1 November 1913, emphasizing the importance of women's suffrage. The renowned contralto singer Kathleen Ferrier performed at the town hall on 6 March 1947, and in the 1960s, it became a popular music venue, hosting rock bands such as The Hollies, The Who, and The Yardbirds. The locally-born singer Lyndsie Holland was a regular performer in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas at the town hall in the 1980s.
Although Stourbridge Town Hall ceased to be the local seat of government when the enlarged Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council was formed in 1974, it remains an important venue for community events and performances. In November 2019, Dudley Council invited proposals from local community groups interested in taking over the management of the town hall, ensuring its continued use as a hub of cultural and civic activities.
Today, Stourbridge Town Hall stands as a proud symbol of the town's heritage and community spirit. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and ongoing role in the cultural life of Stourbridge make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the West Midlands. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking to experience the vibrant community life of Stourbridge, the town hall offers a glimpse into the past and a vibrant setting for the present.
In conclusion, Stourbridge Town Hall is not just a building; it is a living monument to the town's history, culture, and community. Its walls echo the stories of the past, from civic meetings and political speeches to musical performances and community celebrations. As you walk through its grand halls and admire its architectural beauty, you are not just visiting a town hall; you are stepping into a piece of Stourbridge's soul.
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