History of The Reading Room

The following piece of news was reported in the Sussex Express on the 08/01/1909.

The Reading Room, Buxted, was opened last Saturday by Miss Portman, youngest daughter of H B Portman and Lady Portarlington of Buxted Park. The room, which is in a central position should be well patronised by the young men of Buxted as it is a thing which has been wanted for some time. The management is conducted by the parish council and is hoped to hold a concert shortly, the proceedings of which will go towards the institution. This makes the original part of the Reading Room 99 years old. It is interesting to note that it appears to consist of one room only and the use is for the ‘young men of the village’. The Hon Portman had leased the land to the parish council for a nominal rent in 1907 and it had taken two years to raise the funds needed to build the one room.

The Reading Room remains in place today as a village hall for the community. We have two Art Clubs that use the hall on a weekly basis, the Buxted Player have two performances a year amongst other clubs and societies that call the Reading Room their home.

It can seat up to 80 theatre style and is ideal for meetings and small children’s birthday parties. It is available to hire by contacting the clerk to Buxted Parish Council, Beccy Macklen on: Beccy.macklen-pc.gov.uk or 01435 812798