Our Story
A lasting tribute built by the people of Gnosall for the people of Gnosall
1921 — The Original Memorial Institute
In May 1921 the Ecclesiastical Commissioners donated land at the junction of Lowfield Lane and the Stafford–Newport road. Local people, led by George Woodfield (who lost his son John in the Great War), purchased an army hut from Brocton Camp, moved and rebuilt it. Mrs Woodfield officially opened the Memorial Institute on 15 October 1921 — just five months after the land was given.
1961 — The New Hall
The wooden hut served the village for 40 years. In 1960 it was sold, and a modern concrete hall was built by Stafford Concrete Buildings. The new hall opened on 8 April 1961 by Mrs Shepherd Johnson. The £5,200 project was funded by grants, donations and a repaid loan — a true community effort.
Built as a living memorial to the 51 men from Gnosall who gave their lives in the First World War (and later those of the Second World War), the Hall has hosted dances, plays, billiards, badminton, clinics, youth clubs, wedding receptions, concerts and more than 40 village organisations. Every Remembrance Day, over 250 local schoolchildren gather here to honour the fallen.
Original Hut • 1921
The very first Memorial Institute built by the community in memory of their fallen heroes
