While this building, St John’s Parish Hall – designed by Edward Halloran and built in 1897, is a pleasant enough red brick affair with a nice art nouveau balcony I would not have drawn it to my reader’s attention were it not for a terracotta plaque affixed to the front of the building.
1897 marked the Diamond Jubilee of Victoria’s accession to the throne and the building was built in commemoration of this event. The plaque bears the Queen’s portrait (a typically surly one) and reminds us that her reign to that point, which commenced in 1837, was a record for a British Monarch. The words ‘Record Reign’, from the plaque, led to the building being called Record Reign Hall.
Victoria went on to reign, until her death on 22 January 1901, just shy of 63 years.
Also included on the plaque is a personal message from Her Majesty – interestingly directed at her subjects rather then to them. It reads:
From my heart I thank my beloved people. May God bless them
The inclusion of the word “Hail” on the lower part of the plaque baffles me. Perhaps my reader can enlighten me?
Address: St. Johns Road, Glebe
Directions: On the corner with Derwent Street
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The Rambling Wombat 