Society for Erecting and Maintaining A Building in the Metropolis For the Meeting of Religious, Charitable, and Scientific Institutions London and Greenwich Railway

Society for Erecting and Maintaining A Building in the Metropolis For the Meeting of Religious, Charitable, and Scientific Institutions London and Greenwich Railway

The London and Greenwich Railway was the earliest railway in metropolitan London. It was first opened on 8 February 1836 running from Spa Road to Deptford. An extension from Spa Road to London Bridge was opened on December 14, 1836. The line to Greenwich was finally opened on 12 April 1840.

Exeter Hall is described in an article by Percy Howard, dated 1907, when the Hall was demolished: "The ground on which Exeter Hall stands was formerly occupied by a menagerie, but, owing to the roaring of the lions frightening the horses in the Strand, it was cleared away in 1829. The need of a hall for religious work, which should also provide a home for the various organisations, had long been felt, and the site was at once acquired by a number of influential men for that purpose. On March 29th, 1831, in the presence of an immense audience, the first Exeter Hall was opened, Sir Thomas Baring being in the chair. It was considerably smaller than the present building, but cost, for those days, the large sum of £30,000. In 1850, various improvements 'were made, and the hall was lengthened.

Although essentially a centre of religious activity, Exeter Hall holds a unique place in the musical history of the last century. For many years it had been the custom to perform oratorios twice a week during Lent in the theatres of the metropolis, but these were given up when the new hall was opened, and it at once became the temple of music in London. Thither flocked great crowds to hear the fine band and chorus of 700 voices, conducted by Sir Michael Costa, while the appearance of Mendelssohn or Spohr to conduct their own compositions, drew the fashionable world to the Strand. The performance of oratorios ceased in the season of 1879-80, when they were transferred to the Albert Hall. Mr. Hullah's famous "Musical Evenings " were also held in Exeter Hall, and the rehearsals for the Handel festival have continued to take place there.

The first temperance meeting was held on June 29th, 1831, and was one of the greatest on record. It was followed by a long series of others, and in 1853 the committee of the London Temperance League invited the famous orator, John B. Gough, to come over from the United States. ... It was in Exeter Hall, in June, 1840, that the Prince Consort made his first public appearance in England, when he presided at a meeting for the abolition of the slave trade. His speech was most successful, and he wrote to his father that it was received with great applause, and seemed to have produced a good effect in the country. A few days later another famous meeting of the Anti-Slavery Convention was held, the venerable Thomas Clarkson. then in his 81st year, presiding. ...

From 1845 to 1865 the Y.M.C.A lectures were delivered in the Hall, but in 1880 it became the property of the Association, five friends putting down £5,000 apiece for the purchase. The building was then re- modelled and enlarged, the total outlay being close on £60,000. On March 29th, 1881, the jubilee of the structure, it was re-opened by Lord Shaftesbury. Since then many famous meetings have been held within its walls. Stanley's first lecture on his return from the Congo expedition was given here, and in March, 1895, members of the Royal family were present to hear F. C. Selous lecture on "Travel and Adventure in South East Africa." ... Many a great name is recalled by the old platform chair, which is still preserved. Brougham, Guizot, Moffat, Livingstone, Shaftesbury, Clarkson, Wilberforce - have all "taken the chair " at Exeter Hall, while Mr. Gladstone and Lord Salisbury appear in the list of famous speakers. "

Source: http://www.studymore.org.uk/aexeter.htm