140 years of the Westbury’s Laverton

THE Laverton Institute in Westbury will be celebrating its 140th anniversary on 7th and 8th September. 

David Lawrence, Laverton marketing and development officer said, “Now one of Wiltshire’s stunning period community venues, we are asking for any old photographs or memories of the Laverton Institute so that we can include them in the display at the Laverton for the anniversary exhibition.

“Opened on 11th September 1873 at the expense of Abraham Laverton, it provided a school, reading room and lecture hall for the benefit and education of the people of Westbury. The Laverton Institute cost £4,000 and was under construction for 14 months.

“The work was undertaken by local builders and craftsmen which included architect William Jarvis Stent of Warminster, Worthy Keates masonry and builder, James Adlam plastering and tiling, plumbing and glazing by Neat and Son and the gas and iron work was carried out by Tuck and Pike of Bath.

“Although not in situ now the clock was supplied by R Watts of Westbury, and the stained glass East window by Horwood Bros of Frome. The bricks and tiles used in the build were prepared at Mr Laverton’s own kilns.

“From the Trowbridge Advertiser we can see that the opening celebrations of the Laverton Institute comprised of two concerts: ‘The hall was crowded to suffocation in every corner, the staircases were lined, and there were hundreds outside unable to gain admission at any price’. The programme of music, led by the singer Madam Lemmens-Sherrington, included Rossini’s Stabat Mater.”

Please send old photographs or memories to David Lawrence, Laverton development and marketing  officer, Westbury Town Council, Bratton Road, BA13 3EN or d.lawrence@westburytown council.gov.uk