On this day, the decision to build Town Hall in the city was taken at a public meeting. Town Hall would be constructed with funds raised by a public lottery.
Its architect was John Henry Garstin.
The foundation stone was laid in 1807 and the building, Palladian-Doric in style, was completed by 1813.
It was initially planned as a place for Europeans to meet, but Indians held meetings here, too.
Many important events were held at Town Hall.
The upper floor was used mainly for social gatherings and the ground floor housed statues, most of which are now in the Victoria Memorial.
In 1867, Town Hall was handed over to Kolkata municipality.
In 1871, puisne judge Sir John Paxton Norman was assassinated by a Wahabi sect member while he was coming down the steps of Town Hall.
In 1897, Town Hall was renovated.
Scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose made his demonstration on wireless communication at Town Hall. Tagore delivered his famous speech on the freedom of speech here.
Town Hall fell into disrepair after Independence. Now it has been restored, repaired and opened to the public.
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