3-052-379 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Holborn Townhall, [London], 1880. New building '...for the accommodation of the public offices of the Holborn District Board of Works..., which stands in Gray's-inn-road, at the corner of Clerkenwell-road...The architects were Messrs. Isaacs and Florence...The builders were Messrs. Browne and Robinson...; and the total cost, including site, was £50,000. The site is a piece of ground 120 ft. by 100 ft. wide, and the buildings form three sides of a quadrangle, a tower marking the angle of intersection of the two thoroughfares. The grand public hall, which is 96 ft. by 45 ft. wide and 32 ft. high, has a fireproof floor composed of iron skew-back girders, resting upon two rows of iron columns interspaced with brick arches, which carry the wood flooring upon joists with pitch-pine battens. This hall, which affords ample room for 800 seats besides those furnished by a gallery, is approached by a fine stone staircase...It is lighted on each side by a range of windows...above which is a cornice with attic, story, and circular windows, giving light and ventilation...The tower is furnished with a clock...with a powerful bell to strike the hours, and chimes for the quarter-hours, manufactured by Messrs. Gillett, Bland, and Co., of Croydon'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.