23/04/2021
Hello Everyone!
We want to thank everyone that has contributed their memories of Westgate Hall, and to all those who are still sending in pictures and stories. The repair, conservation and re-use of Westgate Hall is of critical importance to the wider regeneration of Grantham town centre and is a project close to the heart of both Historic England and South Kesteven District Council, the funding bodies behind the Grantham High Streets Heritage Action Zone. Currently the Programme is funding an Options Appraisal for Westgate Hall to establish sustainable future uses for the building.
So far, we have managed to learn of an amazing history of what is an architectural and social icon of Westgate, the Market Place and Grantham Town in general.
The Main Hall
Such an amazing location that has hosted Suffrage meetings, parliamentary hustings, meetings of the armed forces, a honey fair, weddings and more recently several nightclubs. With such a diverse range of uses already reported, can you remember it being used as anything else?
The First Floor
Another huge room with grand windows overlooking Westgate and the Market Place, the first floor has housed the offices of the Inland Revenue and William Bro’s Electrical. Such a grand room may have been used a range of different occupiers. Can you remember any others?
The Ground Floor
The two later additions on the ground floor, reportedly built in 1873, have also seen their share of owners and uses. The large south-eastern room was originally used as the Grantham Working Men’s Conservative Association Reading Room, and in later years has also been home to a Doll’s Hospital and K&Co Fashion and Accessories. Many people have shared fond memories of when the north-eastern unit was a shop selling baby clothes and accessories.
The Basement
Most recently used as staff rooms, storage areas and the beer cellar for the series of nightclubs that occupied the main hall, the basement has also been used as a storage area for William Bro’s Electrical when they occupied the building.
Although we do not know exactly what units they occupied, we have also learnt that Sexty Brothers Watchmakers maintained a space and workshop and that the Keeper and Toll Collector for the Grantham Market was resident in the Hall.
With so many amazing stories already shared, we still have so many gaps to fill in the history of Westgate Hall, so please tell us your memories, share your stories and pictures and become involved in this amazing project aimed at conserving this architectural, cultural and social cornerstone of Grantham.
Post to or email [email protected].
