Coronation Hall stands on the site of the once famous County
Hotel which was burned down in 1911. It was built to commemorate
the coronation of King George V and completed during the First
World War.
"..Coronation Hall was built as a result of there being a dire
need in Ulverston for a place of entertainment. Until it was opened
major events either had to be staged either in the Drill Hall in
Victoria Road, the Temperance Hall in Queen Street (now the Glaxo
Club), the Victoria Concert Hall in Mill Street (opposite the town
mill) or the Assembly Rooms in Theatre Street (the ground floor of
this building remains and is still in use as an auction room for
sales). All these venues were becoming rather inadequate for the
period and something bigger and more in keeping with the age was
needed. The Coronation Hall filled the bill. Happily it still
admirably does so today and, with its centenary not that far
distant, it must be a tribute to its original designer. The
foundation stone was laid in 1914 and a short time later a new
Crown Post Office was built next door between Coronation Hall and
Cross Street.".
Mike Rushton Evening Mail
The original building costs were £8,513.00. The Foundation stone
was laid in 1914 and can still be seen in the entrance hall bearing
the inscription:
"This stone of the hall built to commemorate the Coronation
of His Majesty King George V was laid on June 3rd 1914 by Myles
Kennedy of Stone Cross Ulverston".
The official opening took place in 1920, and took the form of a
masque ball - view the invitation.
Ulverston Urban District Council took over the running of the
Coronation Hall until 1974 when it was transferred to South
Lakeland District Council.
In 1990 Ulverston Town Council awarded their Merit Award to the
Coro "to recognise and encourage improvements and developments
which contribute in a positive way to environmental and building
quality, within the Ulverton town boundary." A decorative
plaque was awarded and can be seen in the entrance hall.
In 1998 Councillor J Prosser was instrumental in having a brass
plaque produced to commemorate the committee who were responsible
for the original idea to build the Coronation Hall. The plaque
still remains and can be seen in the foyer.