![Memorial Hall, Parkend - geograph](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Memorial_Hall%2C_Parkend_-_geograph.org.uk_-_810190.jpg)
A memorial hall is a
hall built to commemorate an individual or group; most commonly those who have died in war. Most are intended for public use and are sometimes described as ''utilitarian memorials''.
History of the Memorial Hall
In the aftermath of the
First World War
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
, many towns and villages looked to commemorate casualties from their communities. Community leaders were expected to organise local committees to construct memorials and halls, for the benefit of the local community, were often seen as appropriate ways in which to honour those who had lost their lives. Most incorporate a
plaque
Plaque may refer to:
Commemorations or awards
* Commemorative plaque, a plate or tablet fixed to a wall to mark an event, person, etc.
* Memorial Plaque (medallion), issued to next-of-kin of dead British military personnel after World War I
* Pl ...
or
stone
In geology, rock (or stone) is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. It is categorized by the minerals included, its Chemical compound, chemical composition, and the way in which it is formed. Rocks ...
, individually naming casualties, although, in some cases, they were built instead of
war memorials
A war memorial is a building, monument, statue, or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or (predominating in modern times) to commemorate those who died or were injured in a war.
Symbolism
Historical usage
It has ...
.
Most First World War memorial halls would later go on to be rededicated as memorials to those who also died in the
Second World War
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposi ...
. In post-war times, many Second World War Memorials would later be rededicated to those who lost their lives in numerous modern wars.
Village hall
Memorial halls often serve the functions of
village hall
A village hall is a public building in a village used for various things such as:
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, a village hall is usually a building which contains at least one large room (plus kitchen and toilets), is owned by a local ...
s.
Examples
*
Congregational Memorial Hall
The Congregational Memorial Hall in Farringdon Street, London was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Great Ejection of Black Bartholomew's Day, resulting from the 1662 Act of Uniformity which restored the Anglican church. The two tho ...
See also
*
Memorial Hall (disambiguation) A memorial hall is a hall built as a memorial, typically to those who have lost their lives in war.
Memorial Hall may also refer to:
United Kingdom
* Congregational Memorial Hall, London
* Memorial Hall, Manchester
* Queen Victoria Memorial Ha ...
References
{{reflist
Buildings and structures by type
Monuments and memorials