\n
\n The history of 59 Broad Street takes us back to the 1920s.\n<\/p>\n
\n The story begins in 1877 when the future site was still agricultural land.\n<\/p>\n
\n By 1898, it was earmarked for development.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, the terraced housing did not occupy the spot in 1914.\n<\/p>\n
\n Fast forward to 1935, and the landscape had changed again.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Ordnance Survey of that year depicted two distinctive hall structures.\n<\/p>\n
\n One of them, the Unity Hall, carries a narrative worth sharing.\n<\/p>\n
\n Built in 1923, Unity Hall cost \u00a33,000 to construct.\n<\/p>\n
\n According to records, it was designed by Mr F R K Woodworth of Penarth and built by the Copp brothers.\n<\/p>\n
\n Notably, the hall was intimately connected with the rising Labour movement.\n<\/p>\n
\n It was not just a venue for union gatherings and friendly society meetings but also served the general public for a range of events.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sizeable hall could hold 500 people.\n<\/p>\n
\n Regular boxing tournaments were held there, a bit before Barry and District world champions the Selby’s time.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Unity Hall was also renowned for hosting the annual Barry and District Chrysanthemum Society’s show.\n<\/p>\n
\n The architectural features of the hall are as fascinating as its history.\n<\/p>\n
\n The structure primarily includes brick and slate and unusually features three string courses of Bath stone in alternating layers with bricks.\n<\/p>\n
\n Despite its narrow frontage, the Unity Hall extends far into its property when viewed from above, giving you a taste of its deceptive size.\n<\/p>\n
\n The front entrance is notable for its Bath stone mini pediment\u2014a classical touch to an otherwise utilitarian structure.\n<\/p>\n
\n As we moved past the 1920s heyday, the hall underwent several transformations.\n<\/p>\n
\n Peter Wharton, of Barry and District Museumeers, mentioned it later became a Radio Rentals repair shop.\n<\/p>\n
\n Later, in 1986, it accommodated the Barry Sea Cadets.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n\n Architecturally, the Unity Hall has witnessed significant alterations over the years.\n<\/p>\n
\n The black shuttering with glass panels in front of the hall entrance, a modern change, replaced the original Bath stone foundation inscriptions.\n<\/p>\n
\n In addition, the building lost its two small vertical rectangular windows.\n<\/p>\n
\n John Anzevino, a member of the Facebook Barry and District Museumeers group, played an invaluable role in researching this historical journey.\n<\/p>\n
\n Although bearing the marks of time, the Unity Hall stands today as an indicator of its structural stability and importance.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is a testament to 100 years of Barry and District’s community life.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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