Caxton Hall

Amidst the grandeur of Westminster, Caxton Hall stands as a silent witness to history. Caxton Hall isn’t just a building; it’s a stage where historical dramas unfolded. Originally known as Westminster Town Hall, Caxton Hall opened its doors in 1883. The building, designed by William Lee and F.J. Smith, showcases a distinctive Francois I style, with red brick and pink sandstone. In 1900, the hall hosted the First Pan-African Conference, a pivotal moment in the fight for equality. The suffragettes, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, frequently met at Caxton Hall before marching to the nearby Houses of Parliament. Their struggle for women’s suffrage echoed within these walls. In 1910, the enigmatic occultist Aleister Crowley chose Caxton Hall as the venue for his mystical Rites of Eleusis. During World War II, the hall served as a vital communication hub, hosting press conferences by Winston Churchill and his ministers. A plaque commemorates these wartime events. Caxton Hall also witnessed darker moments. In 1940, Indian nationalist Udham Singh assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, a former Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab, within its walls. Beyond its political significance, Caxton Hall became a popular register office, hosting the weddings of numerous celebrities. Elizabeth Taylor, Ringo Starr, and Roger Moore all exchanged vows under this roof. In 1960, the hall held the first public meeting of the Homosexual Law Reform Society, marking a significant step in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Caxton Hall may now be luxury apartments, but its vibrant past still resonates. The stories of political activism, social change, and celebrity romance are woven into the very fabric of this historic building.