History
1878-1929
Ralph Knott, Architect and winner of the "design County Hall" competition.1906
Original site for the County Hall as viewed from Westminster bridge.1908
There were changes made to the final plan which had omitted the original Hall and reduced the size of the portico.1909
The embankment wall had to be brought in line with that of the St Thomas's Hospital foreshore . The land reclaimed cost £10,000 which was paid to the Thames Conservators. Also in 1909 the Cross & Blackwell factory had to be demolished. Whilst this had a 999 year lease, starting from 1896, they were paid £100,000 to vacate the premises. This was, however far cheaper than the proposed site of the Aldwych which would have cost £2,400,000. The actual area was 5.4 acres which only accounted for about 10% of the development. The total cost of acquiring the site was £617,000.
1912
In 1912 the foundation stone was laid. Here. The foundation stone was laid by King George V accompanied by Queen Mary. 10 years later, they revisited to "officially" open County Hall.1922
On 17th July 1922, George V and Queen Mary attended the opening ceremony of the County hall. However, hidden from view, were the unfinished works. In fact, the County Hall was completed many years later.1933
In 1933 the Education Library was completed. The library would be capable of holding up to 80,000 volumes. The library service was founded in 1889 by the School Board for London. This was to serve both the teachers and infants schools in inner London.
Originally the County Hall was planned to house 3,000 people. However, by 1934 there was nearly 4,200 staff not including the 300 additional support staff and the 175 "charwomen"
1939
In 1939 the staff were still occupying the old County Hall based at Spring Gardens . This was due to the postponement of the completion of the north and south blocks. Due to the number of staff, overcrowding became an issue and the Council pushed forward with the works estimating that the completion should be by 1950.Originally the County Hall was planned to house 3,000 people. However, by 1934 there was nearly 4,200 staff not including the 300 additional support staff and the 175 "charwomen"