The Cornish Times in its constant research of "past times" had occasion recently to review the historic columns of the 1880s and by chance revealed an event of February/March 1889 in Liskeard which portrayed a public spirited initiative resulting in the purchase of a local public house and its conversion into the Public Hall of today.

The columnist was the Liskeard Archivist the late Jack Haworth and his memory revealed that the Liskeard Public Rooms Co.Ltd was formed at that time by the raising of £3,000 from local residents in a 300 share issue of £10 each.

The property involved was "The London Hotel" with attendant cottages, gardens and outbuildings on West Street and all this was purchased for the construction of a "large and commodious hall" for "holding county and town gatherings and meetings of all descriptions".

Such being the times the ten directors who included bankers, surgeons, gentlemen, an engineer and a solicitor sped the project along,

By November 6 1890 the completed complex was opened by the Earl of St German's on a day of much celebration by the townsfolk.

Mayor T Lang presided over the events which began with a procession from Market House led by the band of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry for the opening ceremony at the West Street Entrance of the much praised new Town Hall.

After the formal agenda a public luncheon was held in the Guild Hall at a cost of two shillings followed by a tea party at a cost of nine pence (old money).

This financial outlay was followed by a promenade concert in the evening by the Royal Marines Band for a charge of one shilling with later on a public dance to the strains of Mr Phillip's String Band.

This included some old English Dances "being introduced" to Liskeard.

It's an interesting slice of local history, but one which has a resemblance to the present and ongoing dilemma posed by the derelict Webb's Hotel so close to the Town Hall and an important part of the centre of the town.

Jim Parsons

Liskeard