1863   James Mortimer builds Hoxton Hall 'with the specific object of affording the humbler classes an entertainment that shall combine instruction with amusement'. The first evening's entertainment takes place on 7th November

                                             

 

1866   The hall is sold to James Mcdonald and is now known as McDonald's Music Hall

 

 

1871   McDonald loses his licence due to 'police complaints' and is closed down

 

 

1878   W.I. Palmer, a Quaker biscuit manufacturer, purchases the hall and rents it to the Blue Ribbon Gospel Temperance Mission

 

 

1893   Palmer dies and leaves the hall to the Bedford Institute, a Quaker social action agency, who use it for worship and social work

 

 

1910   The hall is extended to accomodate a new mission centre, which included present day Stewart Hall and coffee room

 

 

1943   The hall is used as an air raid shelter, and continues with its youth and social work

 

 

1950s  A programme of recreational activities for adults, a pensioners lunch club and under 5s playgroup

 

 

1964   Shakespearian productions are created and staged at Hoxton Hall

 

 

1975   The Hall is leased to a group of art teachers who develop a community arts programme

 

 

1977   HHFNC set up as an unincorporated trust

 

 

1998   Bedford Institute relaunched as Quaker Social Action; current 99 year lease issued

 

 

2003   Hoxton Workspace Ltd set up managing 128 Hoxton Street

 

 

2004   Hoxton Hall Ltd set up and lease transfer requested; Arts council withdraw funds

 

 

2005   Hoxton Hall restructured after financial crisis, and concentrates on youth arts

 

 

2008   Hoxton Hall celebrates its 145th birthday

 

 

2009   Awarded myplace funding for improving access to theatre

 

 

2010   11th June: 100th birthday of the dance hall and creative spaces