The history of 59 Broad Street takes us back to the 1920s.
The story begins in 1877 when the future site was still agricultural land.
By 1898, it was earmarked for development.
However, the terraced housing did not occupy the spot in 1914.
Fast forward to 1935, and the landscape had changed again.
The Ordnance Survey of that year depicted two distinctive hall structures.
One of them, the Unity Hall, carries a narrative worth sharing.
Built in 1923, Unity Hall cost £3,000 to construct.
According to records, it was designed by Mr F R K Woodworth of Penarth and built by the Copp brothers.
Notably, the hall was intimately connected with the rising Labour movement.
It was not just a venue for union gatherings and friendly society meetings but also served the general public for a range of events.
The sizeable hall could hold 500 people.
Regular boxing tournaments were held there, a bit before Barry and District world champions the Selby’s time.
The Unity Hall was also renowned for hosting the annual Barry and District Chrysanthemum Society’s show.
The architectural features of the hall are as fascinating as its history.
The structure primarily includes brick and slate and unusually features three string courses of Bath stone in alternating layers with bricks.
Despite its narrow frontage, the Unity Hall extends far into its property when viewed from above, giving you a taste of its deceptive size.
The front entrance is notable for its Bath stone mini pediment—a classical touch to an otherwise utilitarian structure.
As we moved past the 1920s heyday, the hall underwent several transformations.
Peter Wharton, of Barry and District Museumeers, mentioned it later became a Radio Rentals repair shop.
Later, in 1986, it accommodated the Barry Sea Cadets.
Architecturally, the Unity Hall has witnessed significant alterations over the years.
The black shuttering with glass panels in front of the hall entrance, a modern change, replaced the original Bath stone foundation inscriptions.
In addition, the building lost its two small vertical rectangular windows.
John Anzevino, a member of the Facebook Barry and District Museumeers group, played an invaluable role in researching this historical journey.
Although bearing the marks of time, the Unity Hall stands today as an indicator of its structural stability and importance.
It is a testament to 100 years of Barry and District’s community life.
