1930s village hall, 'Memorial Hall', High Street (EHER 81162)

A village hall built in 1933 to a design by Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo. The building suffered bomb damage during the Second World War and was subsequently repaired; further alterations date from the late twentieth century.

A village hall built in 1933 to a design by Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo. The building suffered bomb damage during the Second World War and was subsequently repaired; further alterations date from the late twentieth century. After retiring Mackmurdo wrote successfully on socio-economics and in 1929 established the Essex Rural Community Council (ERCC) which aimed, amongst other things, to better community life. The foundation of the ERCC prompted Mackmurdo to build three village halls at Great Totham (EHER 82268), Bradwell (EHER 46155), and Southminster. Drawings of the hall survive in the William Morris archive showing an unusual plan comprising a billiard room at the front and a hall with stage at the rear. It is clear from these drawings that the facade was either not constructed as Mackmurdo intended or rebuilt following war damage. The building has been too altered to fulfil the criteria for listing. <1>