
Shap War Memorial Hall, Cumbria
N 54° 31.752 W 002° 40.579
30U E 520947 N 6042451
Shap's War Memorial Hall started life as the Market Hall. It was rededicated in 1921 to the fallen.
Waymark Code: WMC3CK
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 07/20/2011
Views: 1
The Market Hall bore the Lowther coat of arms above the door. A porch was added and rededicated in 1921. The hall is heavily used. The local history society meet the rear extension. Prior to the adjacent school having their own kitchen, meals were prepared and served here.
"At times of heavy snowfall when the A6 was blocked, the hall was a refuge for stranded lorry drivers, and the local WRVS provided sustenance. In 1999 the hall was used as a base by RAF personnel following the plane crash at the north end of the village.
In 2000 the hall was refurbished and updated with the aid of a Lottery
grant; the billiard and reading rooms becoming small meeting rooms.
The stage in the main hall was removed, to accommodate better toilet and storage facilities and portable stage blocks obtained. The kitchen is now well appointed. " from
download.The local newspapers had reports of progress.
The Cumberland News in 11 December 1920 issue writes that Shap War Memorial was unveiled.
Meanwhile the Cumberland Westmorland Herald in 11 December 1920 issue has local War Memorials represented by Celtic Crosses at Shap and Great Salkeld.
The Westmorland Gazette in 11 December 1920 issue writes "The Celtic Cross memorial, made of Shap granite, has been erected near the main entrance of the churchyard. There are plans to purchase the Public Hall from the Lowther estate and transform it into a Memorial Hall." The article included the names of the fallen.
The Westmorland Gazette in 20 August 1921 paper states that Shap War Memorial Fund arranged sale in the Public Hall 13 August 1921.
The market hall was purchased from Lowther Estate for the sum of £2,000 raised by public subscription and altered to create the Memorial Hall.
Links
Cumbria Gazetteer