“It contains offices for the accommodation of the different branches of the local administration, a Coroner’s Court etc; but these are mere details.  The Town Hall constitutes a feature of Bermondsey life of today which has hitherto had no parallel.  The Vestry of the period, when reproached with having incurred such heavy expense in the erection of a building, the necessity for which was then by no means apparent, replied that they were acting with a view to the future, and providing for the needs of the next  generation. The event has justified their prescience.  The Town Hall has become the centre of the political and social life of the district.  Public meetings are there held on all questions agitating the community, and addressed by persons of exalted rank and distinguished reputation.  … Lectures are delivered on all conceivable subjects, religious services held, concerts, balls and dramatic representations given.”