Civic History and the Town Hall

Eastbourne's first council was established in 1883 when the town was incorporated as a municipal borough under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1882.

The town's first Mayor was Mr Alderman G A Wallis.

The construction of a Town Hall soon followed when the foundation stone was laid by Lord Edward Cavendish on 9th October 1884. The building was opened by the Mayor, Mr Alderman G Boulton, on 20th October 1886.

You can download a detailed civic history of Eastbourne below, containing:

• an account of the building of the Town Hall

• the results of the first ever Eastbourne Council election in 1883

• descriptions of rooms, paintings and displays which can be seen in the Town Hall today

When Eastbourne Became A Borough

Movietone, the British news archive company has a movie-clip from 1911 on its website called Eastbourne Becomes A Borough. It shows dignitaries from the council and the Lady Mayoress of London planting a tree in commemoration.

You have to register to use and search the site, but this is free.