Hungerford Virtual Museum

Website produced and maintained for the Hungerford Historical Association
by Hugh Pihlens

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You are in [Places] [Croft Hall]

The Croft Hall is a prominent building standing in The Croft. When first opened in 1900 it was known as "Church House". The site was originally part of the land used for the Free Grammar School, founded in 1635, which closed in 1884. In 1898 the school building was sold to Sir William Pearce of Chilton Lodge, the school building was demolished. (The Parish Magazine of June 1899 states that the building was "razed to the ground").

Sir William Pearce and paid for the erection of what was then known as Church House, which he presented to the people of Hungerford for Parish Meetings and other community use.

The architect was Arthur Blomfield (son of Sir Arthur Blomfield) of Montague Place, London. The foundation stone was laid by the Very Rev Philip F Elliot, Dean of Windsor, on Wed 12th July 1899 following a service at St. Lawrence's Church. The builders were Messrs Wooldridge & Son, of The Wharf, Hungerford. The building was opened (although not quite completed by) 2nd August 1900. After various celebrations during the day, a concert was held in the evening, arranged by Lady Pearce, with musicians from London.

The building comprises the main hall (58' 6" by 28', with platform and gallery); Club Room (30' x 24'); Sitting Room and two bedrooms for use of the curate; and an Apartment for the caretaker.

"The uses to which the Church House may be put are many besides the Sunday School. The Club for men with papers and magazines, periodicals, games and a library (women came to the services) and lectures. They could make tea, of course'. [from Parish Magazine, 1900].

The builders finally completed their work in the autumn of 1899, and the building came into full use on Sunday 25th November - Sunday Schools being held, although there was a clear shortage of teachers. A desperate plea was in the Parish magazine - "Is there no one who will volunteer?". The ever-generous Lady Pearce donated a grand piano to the Church House.

Church House Club was formed in 1901 (now Hungerford Club).




		The Croft Hall, Aug 2001



	The Billiards Room, Church House, 1925



Church House, c1925

Sir William Pearce died on 2nd November 1907, and in his Will dated 3rd May 1906 he gave £2,500 to the Trustees of the "Hungerford Parish Church House" to "apply the income thereof to or towards the maintenance and keeping in repair of the said Church House".

The Croft Hall has very successfully been used for various purposes over many years, including:

1920 KD Church House used as library, club, and Sunday School.

1939-45 During 2nd World War used as a British Restaurant

19?? Registrar's Office for Births, Marriages and Deaths (right ground floor room)

19?? Health Visitors Office (first floor room)

19?? Playgroup run by Mrs. Audrey Bond for pre-nursery children (in room at rear)

197? Rainbow Club, run by mothers for babies 0-21 months.

198? Sunday School, held previously at John O'Gaunt School.

198? New Scouts Hut erected at rear of property (previously housed at St John's Ambulance hut, Everland Road demolished in 1980s)

2008 Regular Film Club showing monthly films.

Croft Hall continues to be run by trustees - and to be in very regular use for a wide variety of events.