History
The History of the Gwyn Hall
Howel Gwyn, benefactor of the Gwyn Hall, was a prominent public figure in Victorian Neath society.
During his political career he had served as alderman, town councillor, mayor, Freeman of the Borough, chairman to the board of Guardians, High Sheriff of Glamorgan and MP for Brecon and Falmouth.
A generous benefactor to the town, he was revered for his paternalism, having made substantial gifts and land for St David’s Church, Alderman Davies School, the building of the Constitutional Club and St Matthew’s Church, Dyffryn, where he is buried. At his mansion in Dyffryn he hosted an annual fete for his tenants and provided the Christmas luncheon at the Neath Union Workhouse.
The Gwyn Hall and Municipal Offices
In 1882 Alderman Howel Gwyn offered to assist in the finance of a new public hall and municipal offices for the town of Neath.
After a number of years, a site for the new hall had not been found and so at a public meeting in 1885 Gwyn announced that he would find suitable land himself donating the site on Orchard Street for the purpose. Funds for the project could not be raised by The Neath Corporation and to ensure the hall’s completion Gwyn agreed to pay for the building as well, donating a further £200 for the project. The final cost of the hall however was estimated at around £6,000. It was agreed that Gwyn could choose the architect himself and in March 1886 plans were received from London based architect John Norton who also designed St David’s Church in Neath.
A description of the hall in 1891 was as follows:
“…a building of blue sandstone with Bath stone dressings, in the Gothic style, and consists of a large public hall, which accommodates 1,500 people, a council chamber and municipal offices; the cost of erection was about £7,000; the Glamorganshire county council hold meetings here quarterly; the borough council and various meetings of the county authorities are also held here. In front of the hall is a fine bronze statue of the late Howel Gwyn Esq. Designed by Raggi, and erected by subscription by the principal residents of the neighbourhood and county.”
Kelly’s Directory of South Wales, 1891
As part of the Queen’s 50th jubilee celebrations (and coincidently Howel Gwyn’s 81st birthday), Mrs Ellen Gwyn laid the foundation stone of the building on the 21st of June 1887. Sadly Howel Gwyn did not live to see the completion of the hall, dying peacefully at Dyffryn House on the 25th of January 1888.
The first performance at the hall on the 21st of December 1888 was a capital concert arranged by the Town Band and Mr J. S. Church.
Informal Opening and Statue Unveiling
After eight months of construction, the hall was informally opened with the unveiling of a statue of its benefactor outside the Gwyn Hall by Sir John Llewellyn Bart. Sculpted by Signor Merrio Raggi, the statue caused controversy at the time, as some believed its position would interfere with carriages pulling up outside the building.
First Performance at the Hall
The hall hosted its first performance, a grand concert organised by the Town Band and Mr J. S. Church.
Charles Dickens Jr Recital
Charles Dickens Jr delivered a recital of his father’s works to an appreciative audience at the hall.
Official Opening and Organ Unveiling
At the official opening ceremony, an organ donated by Mrs Gwyn in memory of her husband was unveiled. The occasion featured a performance of Handel’s Messiah, her husband’s favourite oratorio.
Leo McKern Theatre Performance
A young Leo McKern appeared at the hall with the Western Theatre Company in a production of Cockpit.
Organ Removal and Hall Renovations
The organ was removed during renovations aimed at improving the theatrical space by extending the stage and wing areas for scenery. During its removal, inscriptions were discovered on the back wall arches, revealing the names of those who originally built and installed the organ.
Notable Performers and Events
Throughout its history, the hall has hosted concerts, plays, musicals, and even wrestling matches. Adelina Patti performed there on numerous occasions, and David Lloyd George once delivered a speech. In more recent years, performers have included actor Steven Meyo, opera star Katherine Jenkins, and the Stereophonics.
In 1989 the Gwyn Hall received a Grade 2 listed building status. Plans were made to improve the hall with a £4 million development but with just a few months to go before opening the building was destroyed by fire on the 21st of October 2007. Thanks to support from a strong friends group and a continued commitment from Neath-Port Talbot County Borough Council the Gwyn Hall is officially open once more on the 8th of March 2012.
Harriet Eaton
Heritage Education Officer
NPTCBC
