Then and Now: Lambeth Town Hall
Photographic comparisons of old and modern views of Lambeth


c. 1908 Formed in 1900, the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth soon found its Vestry Hall, Kennington premises too cramped and, after some opposition from the north of the borough, decided to relocate to Brixton.

Opened by the Prince (later George V) and Princess of Wales in 1908, the town hall was created in the Edwardian Baroque style, topped off with distinctive 134 foot tower.

This photo was taken shortly after opening.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)


c. 1910 Two years after opening, the tower now sports a large four sided clock, reading a quarter past one in the afternoon in this photo.

The rooftop now sports a fine selection of chimney pots, although the surrounding streets remain eerily free of traffic.
(pic: Lambeth Archives)


Aug 2002 A hundred years on and the building looks in fine shape, with a major restoration project underway in 2003.

Now facing a busy traffic junction, the Town hall was extended in 1938, with a third storey replacing the slate roof and an Assembly Hall added on Acre Lane.



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