Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Image: © Gerald England Taken: 16 Sep 2016

The Town Hall was completed in 1851, at the expense of Dr John Slacke of Bowden Hall and was known as the "New Sessions House" as it provided a new home for the Magistrates' Court, which had met previously in the Royal Oak. The building also housed the County Court, the Trustee Savings Bank and the High Peak Lodge of the Free Masons, and was used for social functions, dances and theatrical productions. In 1928 the building was transferred to the Parish Council and in 1934, the ground floor Council Chamber was extended and a permanent stage was installed on the first floor. During the Second World War, the cellar was used as a base for the St John's Ambulance A.R.P. team. In 1947, the Chapel-en-le-Frith H.M. Forces Welcome Home Fund came up with a proposal to convert the Town Hall into a War Memorial Hall. Three schemes were put to the public, including a complete re-build in Modernist style. Alterations did not take place until 1970 and these involved the modest addition of a first floor annexe, including an additional function and meeting room. Current users include Chapel-en-le-Frith Ladies' Choir, Chapel-en-le-Frith Gardening Club, Chapel-en-le-Frith Civic Society, Michael & Jackie's Dancing Class, Judo, Women's Institute, Weight Watchers, and others. More information could be found on the former Parish Council website: http://web.archive.org/web/20160807182354/http://www.chapel-en-le-frithparishcouncil.gov.uk/halll.htm Image

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