History

In 1897 Grange Urban District Council purchased a plot of land at the point where Main Street became Station Street from James Jopson. This plot contained Laurel House (an old lodging house) and a bakery, gardens and grocer’s shop which jutted out into the road. These were all demolished, making space for the Hall to be built with a slightly curved front.

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The Public Hall was formally opened by Alderman J. W. Little, the Mayor of Barrow-in-Furness. The inaugural lecture was given by Miss Mary Wakefield; a talk entitled “North Country Songs”. She abandoned the talk half-way through because of the effect of paint fumes. The talk was given a few days later free of charge.

When first opened, the Hall could seat between 400 and 500 people. Today the capacity is reduced to a much safer maximum of 288 people. Building work done in the early 20th century added an impressive new stage and dressing room facilities.

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The 1901 edition of Grange Red Book reported that Mr. H. Porritt, a member of Grange Town Council, decorated the new Council Chamber ‘in elaborate style’. The Town Council still meets in the chamber today and the room is available for hire!