The Kings Hall and Jubilee Hall are located on Kingsway in Stoke. They are extensions to Stoke Town Hall, located on Glebe Street, and were built in 1910 -1911.
There are two cornerstones located either side of an entrance door with disabled access. The stones, are difficult to read because of the pattern on the stone used, but are inscribed as follows;
Left hand side facing the entrance
THIS STONE WAS LAID
BY
ALDERMAN FREDERICK GEEN J.P.
ON THE
10TH DAY OF MARCH 1910
Bottom left on the stone
CONTRACTORS
MESSRS H WILICOCK & CO
DARLINGTON STREET
WOLVERHAMPTON
STAFFORD
Bottom right on the stone
JOINT ARCHITECTS
MR T.WALLIS
MR J.A.BOWDEN
33 OLD QUEEN STREET
LONDON
"Frederick Geen worked in the financial audit department at the North Staffordshire Railway Company (who were against federation). He later worked at a number of pottery companies and then in 1884 set up his own accounting firm. The company still exists today (2009) as Geens Accountants in Liverpool Road, Stoke.
Although Geen proposed and supported the federation of the towns of Stoke, Fenton and Longton - he did not want it to be extended to the other towns - he thought that such an extension would be taken over by the much bigger town of Hanley, because of this fear he became a "bitter anti-federationist". Source: (
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Right hand side facing the entrance
'THIS STONE WAS LAID
BY THE
MAYORESS OF STOKE-UPON-TRENT
MRS WILLIAM BOOTH HACKNEY
ON THE
10TH DAY OF MARCH 1910
Bottom left on the stone
CONTRACTORS
MESSRS H WILLCOCK & CO
DARLINGTON STREET
WOLVERHAMPTON
STAFFORD
Bottom right on the stone
JOINT ARCHITECTS
MR J.A.BOWDEN
MR T.WALLIS
33 OLD QUEEN STREET
LONDON '
William Hackney Booth (
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The Kings Hall, Jubilee Hall along with tha Town Hall are Grade II listed buildings. A description by British Listed Buildings is as follows;
"Adjoining to the SW, Kings Hall and Jubilee Hall were added in 1911, by T.Wallis and J.A.Bowden.
2 storeys, 9 principal bays, the central 3 contained beneath a pediment, and advanced slightly. Central door in heavy surround beneath Ionic columns flanked by full-height archways. Outer doorways enriched with heavy moulded architrave and pediment. Detailing throughout is Mannerist in inspiration: exaggerated detailing to doorways with heavy volutes and swags, concave moulding around windows, broken pediments. Long range links this entrance block with the Town Hall, with oculi over doorways." Source: (
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"The assembly hall, ballroom, exhibition hall and theatre were built in 1910–11 at the time of the federation to the design of T. Wallis and J.A. Bowden and with an impressive 19-bay dressed stone frontage on Kingsway behind the Town Hall. It has proved itself to be a useful adjunct to the Town Hall of 1834–50. This was built on Glebe Street, opposite the parish church to the design of Henry Ward. The entire Town Hall–King's Hall complex serves the city of Stoke-on-Trent well as its chief administrative offices, including the Lord Mayor's Parlour combined with all the facilities of the King's Hall for the city's formal entertainment." (
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The elegant Kings Hall and Jubilee Hall town hall venues are popular for awards ceremonies, dance competitions, conferences and as music & events venue.
"If you’re looking for a special venue – from an intimate gathering to a gala dinner and from an, antiques fair to a concert – Stoke-on-Trent Town Hall will provide the perfect venue.
The prestigious Victorian Town Hall built in an age of elegance reflects the individual characteristic décor and boasts a beautiful and fully equipped hall and a number of select meeting rooms and suites.
The stunning King's Hall in Stoke Town Hall holds up to 1450 guests and with its two bars, large stage and dance floor, icaters for a wide range of public and private events. It has the added benefit of additional balcony seating.
Bespoke packages can be tailored to ensure your event meets your expectations with or without catering, AV, sound and lighting facilities.
The Jubilee Hall has recently been refurbished, with a grand entrance hallway, beautiful stained glass windows and bar facilities.
The QE2 Room has recently been restored to its original features and elegant décor, which makes it perfect for your luxury ceremonies or small dinner parties of up to 60 guests." Source: (
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