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July 20, 1919. The morning after the Peace Day riots, Luton's old Town Hall lies in ruins. It had been built in 1847 but was not bought by the council until 1874.
It was not until nearly 16 years later that work finally began on building a new Town Hall on the site of the old building. Here a mechanical excavator digs out the foundations in March 1935.
The foundations work showing the war memorial and the old Carnegie Library in the background.
April 1935: The concrete base that would underpin the Town Hall tower is under construction.
April 1935: A flag day in Manchester Street and no sign yet of the Town Hall that is to arise.
May 1935: A civic parade offers a picture of George Street without its now familiar Town Hall tower.
May 30, 1935: A large crowd gathers to witness the laying of foundations stones at the Town Hall site.
VIPS including Mayor Cllr J.T. Harrison were among those who laid foundation stones after prayers were led by the Vicar of Luton, the Rev W. Davison.
Another view of the laying of a foundation stone. Inside one was placed a cylinder that included items such as stamps, coins and an edition of The Luton News.
A general view of the stone laying ceremonies.
The mayors of Bedford, Ald H.R. Neate (left) and Dunstable, Ald A. Cook, joined the Luton Mayor at the celebrations.
In the 17 years between the burning down of the old Town Hall and the opening of the new one, council meetings were held in the Carnegie Library.
October 1935: Within six months of the stone layings, work was progressing rapidly on the new Town Hall.
November 1935: the familiar frontage of the Town Hall begins to take shape.
1936: The Town Hall tower under construction.
April 1936: A carpenter at work high up on the Town Hall with George Street in the background.
October 28, 1936: The Duke of Kent performs the official opening of the new Town Hall.
July 20 1919. Peace Day riots Luton old Town Hall 1847 1874 Carnegie Library April 1935 flag day Manchester Street 1935 George Street VIPS Mayor Cllr J.T. Harrison Vicar of Luton the Rev W. Davison stamps coins The Luton News mayor of Bedford Ald H.R. Neate Dunstable Ald A. Cook Luton Mayor celebrations ceremony council meetings October 28 1936 The Duke of Kent
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