Unity Hall, Newport
In 1844 the Grand Master, Officers, and Brethren of the Devizes district of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows established the first Lodge on the Isle of Wight at Newport. Called “The Earl of Yarborough Lodge”, the meeting establishing the Lodge was held at the Red Lion Inn [St. James’ Square].[1]
In 1909 the Earl Yarborough Lodge of Oddfellows at Newport acquired the Newport Arms premises in St. Thomas’s Square with the intent to convert it into their permanent base in the town. [2]
The Lodge accepted the tender of Mr. Harry Scott for carrying out the work to convert the existing building in accordance with plans drawn up by local architect, and lodge member, J. C. Millgate, T.C. – the plans included an additional third storey providing a ‘spacious suite of caretaker’s rooms’. It was decided that the new premises would be named ‘Unity Hall’.[3]
The Unity Hall was used for the first time in 31 March 1910.[4]
In 1972 the Unity Hall was given Grade II listed building status.[5]
