Leaf Hall

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.

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

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. Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  4. "Eastbourne building added to National Heritage List in 2017". Eastbourne Herald. Retrieved 18 December 2017.


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