History of Haxby Memorial Hall

Haxby Memorial Hall was originally built as a school in 1876, following the Elementary Education Act of 1870, the attached house then provided accommodation for the Headmaster. The school served both Haxby and Wigginton and was extended in 1903 to increase the places available.

The Town Clock

The clock on the front of the hall commemorates the coronation of Edward VII on the 9th of August 1902

The school closed in 1954 and the site was bought by Haxby Parish Council (as it was then) and began its life as a village hall.

Hall and Caretakers House

It is not clear when the hall became known as the Memorial Hall, but the name was transferred from a building in South Lane. In 1977 the charitable trust was formed, and in 1982 the hall was further extended. A conservation area was established by City of York Council in 1977 which includes parts of The Village, including the Memorial Hall and attached house.

In 1999 the people of Haxby were questioned about the future of the hall with the majority wanting to either keep, or keep and extend the hall. City of York Council then proposed the library move to the site, and in both 2003 and 2005 the trustees of the time presented new build options to the people of Haxby which were rejected and the trustees resigned en bloc on both occasions.

In late 2008 a new consultation was carried out with the results announced in February 2009. 64% of those who responded voted to maintain the historic hall and extend to add new facilities. The Trustees voted to accept this decision and are now working towards the redevelopment of the hall.