About Us
The historic Kings Cliffe Memorial Hall has, for many years, offered a characterful venue for events in the village. Recent refurbishments have made it an even more attractive venue for both public and private events.
Also known as the village hall, it is run by a committee of volunteers who take care of the building and raise money for its maintenance and periodic improvement.
The Memorial Hall building was originally an outbuilding of the Manor House on West Street and had been used as a malt-house for a brewery operated at the top of Eagle Lane. By the outbreak of the First World War brewing had ceased and the building stood empty.
On 11th November 1918 (Armistice Day) the building was presented to the village by Major David W Powell in memory of his brother, Captain Townsend George Powell of the Northamptonshire Regiment, who was killed in action on May 9th 1915. Major Powell was the then owner of the Manor House and made over the building under a deed of covenant for use as ‘Parish Rooms’.
The upper floor of the malt-house was converted into the ‘village rooms’ and includes a stage for dramatic productions. Over the years it has been used for a wide variety of village activities, including public entertainments, fundraising, public meetings, clubs and classes, and as a Polling Station, as well as for private functions such as wedding receptions and birthday parties.
The lower floor has also seen a variety of uses, including by the Home Guard during World War II and most recently it has become home to the Underground Centre, a youth and children's centre.
In 1918 a management committee of volunteers was appointed to run the building and this continues to the present day. The committee is now the board of trustees of the Kings Cliffe Memorial Hall Charity.