Victoria Hall, Sheffield

Victoria Hall is a Methodist place of worship situated on Norfolk Street in Sheffield city centre. It is the most important Methodist building in Sheffield and it is a Grade II listed building. [http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning-and-city-development/urban-design--conservation/conservation/listed-buildings Sheffield City Council website.] Information on all listed buildings within the Sheffield city boundary.] It is located at grid reference gbm4ibx|SK355873.

History

The present day Victoria Hall stands on the site of the previous Norfolk Street Wesleyan Chapel opened in 1780 by John Wesley, who described it as “One of the largest in the Kingdom”. Despite substantial renovation and the introduction of new vestries in 1875 at a cost of £6,000, the building was demolished in 1906 to make way for a more distinguished and larger structure. The old building was closed for the last time on May 13th 1906.

On September 26th 1906 the foundation stone for the new Victoria Hall was laid followed by a celebratory lunch at the Cutlers Hall. The Hall was opened on Thursday September 24th 1908 with the final cost being in excess of £40,000, this did not just included construction but the outlay for extra land . The new Hall was originally designed by Waddington Son & Dunkerley but much of the design was re-worked by William John Hale (1862-1929) in 1908. Hale blended Gothic and Arts and Crafts styles and was instrumental in designing the large Baroque top to the tower. The carved decorations on the hall are by Alfred and William Tory and portrayals of the Wesley brothers are integrated into the design."Pevsner Architectural Guides - Sheffield", Ruth Harman & John Minnis, ISBN 0 300 10585 1, Page 120 Gives architectural information.]

The new hall was part of the Forward Movement of the Methodist church inspired by Hugh Price Hughes who called for a national religion which preached to the poor and resulted in the building of Central Halls in most of Britain’s large cities."An Introduction to World Methodism", Kenneth Cracknell & Susan J. White, ISBN 0-521-52170-x Gives details of the Forward Movement.] The Hall has always had strong connections with Trade Unionism and in September 1909 the Trade Union Congress held its annual conference at the hall, since then various unions have held meetings there. In the Hall’s early days the surrounding area was densely populated and thousands of young people attended Sunday School, Scouting, Girl Guides and Boys Brigade.

During World War I the Hall opened its doors to care for the members of the armed forces and towards the end of the conflict the Hall received a visit from King George V and Queen Mary during their visit to Sheffield in 1918. During the years of the Great Depression the Hall served free breakfasts to needy children and distributed food parcels as well helping the unemployed. In World War II part of Victoria Hall was converted into a rest hostel for the Forces with 20 beds. Today, as well as a place of worship, the Hall is used by various voluntary organisations including meals for the homeless. It is a popular venue for classical music concerts and the function room is available for hire by the general public. There is a coffee morning between 10.00 am and 12.00 Monday to Saturday."The Changing and the Changeless" (Souvenir Booklet), 1980, Gives most of the history for this article.]

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