Since the 1870s Leigh’s two Grade 2-listed village halls have stood at the very centre of village life. Set on the picturesque High Street, easily accessible from Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, the grandeur of the large hall, with its high vaulted ceiling and gothic windows is perfect for parties, receptions and banquets, whilst the bright and airy small hall is best for more intimate gatherings and, thanks to its stage, performances.
The buildings were not purpose-built; they were originally part of the Hall Place Estate, situated on the other side of the High Street in Leigh, which was the residence of Thomas Bailey. When the estate was bought by Samuel Morley in 1870 he rebuilt the main house and the ‘Baronial Hall’ (which had only been built in 1846) was taken down and re-erected in its’ present position, on the High Street, as a non-conformist chapel. The Sunday School Room (now the Small Village Hall) was built using some of the stonework from the Hall in 1872, and a baptistery (now the Royal British Legion Club Room) was also added.
Over the years the buildings have been used for a variety of uses, as a rifle range, for gymnastics, table tennis, snooker, dances and plays, and as a Red Cross Hospital in the First World War.
After the Second World War the newly formed British Legion Club took over the part that was originally the Baptistry (behind what is now the Large Village Hall). The Large and Small Village Halls were transferred to The Morley Trust and in 1952 the Trust gave them to the Village Hall Management Committee, with the Parish Council as Custodian Trustee.
The Village Halls Management Committee continues to oversee the running of the halls today and endeavours to ensure that the Halls are in good condition and are used for the benefit of the villagers of Leigh.
Facilities today include:
- Seating for 100 seated at tables or 124 for dancing and up to 200 seated as an audience
- Large kitchen with cooking facilities
- Use of projector and screen by arrangement
- British Legion Club is able to arrange bar and necessary licences