LAST week’s mystery building was Coronation Hall, Earby, and was correctly identified by Christine Smith, Pamela Chapman and Miles Taylor.

Opened in 1912 as an entertainment venue, it was last used by the general public, as a library, before being converted into apartments.

I am indebted to Bob Abel of the Earby and District Local History Society who has supplied me with an extract from the book ‘That Was Entertainment’ by Stephanie Carter.

The Liberal Club and Coronation Hall was owned by William Clough MP for Skipton (1906-1918) and opened on October 4, 1912 by Mrs William Clough. It was let to the Earby Liberal Association, Liberalism being very popular in the district at this time, and it possessed all the usual advantages of a really modern club.

It cost £4,000 to build and featured a large public hall on the ground floor, accessed via a large doorway from Cemetery Road. It was named in celebration of the 1911 coronation of George V and Queen Mary.

The hall could accommodate 800 and its floor was made of hard rock maple, suitable for dancing. The entrance to the first floor Liberal Club was also from Cemetery Road. The club contained a billiard room with two tables, a reading room, secretary’s office, room for Young Liberals, a recreation room, kitchen, dining room, lavatories and two bath rooms. The woodwork was oak in the principal entrances and pitch pine in the public hall and first floor rooms.

The design of the building was described as ‘a fine classic style’ and a great asset to the town.

What about this week’s building? Suggestions by 8am on Monday to news@cravenherald.co.uk