Page 252 - Reading Mercury

Considerable variety in the outline is caused by the ornamental towers over the
entrances at each end of the hall, and the clock turret rising from the centre of the hall
roof. The most striking feature of the of the external part of the building is the
admirable workmanship of the brickwork, and the taste displayed in the arrangement
of the various ornamental details, which reflects the highest credit on the contractors,
who have so successfully carried out the intentions of the architects.
The chief feature of interest internally is the hall—a room 45 feet in length, and 25
feet broad. The council chamber at the south end can be opened to the hall by sliding
doors, under a pointed archway. The framework of the roof is visible inside the hall,
and is ornamental, with spandrels and curved timbers, stained and varnished.
Considerable effect is given to the ceiling (which is arranged in panels) by coloured
fretwork. Pendant gasaliers from the roof light the hall by night. The interesting and
valuable portraits from the old hall are suspended against the walls, and the Recorder
has presented the corporation with a handsome looking-glass, which has been placed
over one of the chimney pieces. The furniture of the council chamber has been
designed by the architects and admirably executed by Mr. Parsons of Wokingham.
The buildings comprise the Town Hall, with the usual offices: savings bank,
mechanics institution, large covered market under the hall, a county police station,
with prisoners’ cells, and accommodation for the superintendent and constables and
fire engine station.
The cost of the works has been between £3,000 and £4,000. Messrs Poulton and
Woodman, of Reading, were the architects, and Messrs Wheeler (masons), and Mr.
Woodroffe (carpenter), the contractors. The pictures have been admirably restored,
and framed by Mr. Butler, of Reading.
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As we have previously stated, Wednesday last (6 ) was fixed for the opening of the
new building, and the town presented a very gay and lively appearance. The High
Steward, attired in military uniform, arrived by rail at about a quarter to one o’clock,
and was received by the Alderman, J. L. Roberts, Esq., the members of the
Corporation, and a large number of the inhabitants of the town, the band playing the
National Anthem, and the bells of the old church ringing out a merry peal.
A carriage was in waiting to receive his lordship, and accompanied by the Recorder,
F. A. Carrington, Esq., he proceeded therein to the Alderman’s residence, followed by
the band, which played a number of popular airs. Then came the emblem of civic
authority—the mace—which was borne before the members of the Corporation, and a
large number of the principal inhabitants of the town formed the rear of the
procession. The streets were thronged with spectators, and extending from the hall
down Broad Street, a row of school children was formed on either side. The union-
jack floated from the roof of the hall, and the windows of the neighbouring houses
were filled with spectators.
After a short stay at the Alderman’s house, Lord Braybrooke re-entered the carriage
which proceeded to the Town Hall followed by the procession in the same order as on
coming from the station. Having alighted, his lordship entered the building and
proceeded upstairs to the hall. This had been enlarged for the occasion by throwing
back the doors and so giving the additional room to be occupied by the corporation as
a Council Chamber. At the end a raised dais had been erected, and after cordially
recognising some of the ladies present, his Lordship took his seat in the centre chair,
with the recorder on his right, and the Alderman on the left.
The hall was crowded with a very fashionable audience, there being a great many
ladies present, who appeared to take considerable interest in the proceedings. The
platform was filled and surrounded by a large number of the most influential country

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