Built for local people and paid for by the Anstice family and public subscription, the Anstice Memorial Hall first opened in 1870 to honour John Anstice; a respected mine owner, industrialist and philanthropist.
Over the years the Anstice was home to Madeley Library, Lloyds Bank, a dentist, Madeley Rest Room and a place for entertainment, education and socialising. Anstice Square became a popular gathering place for outdoor Madeley celebrations such as coronations, carnivals and parades.
In its heyday the ballroom was famous, ‘the best sprung floor outside Blackpool’, holding packed out dances and concerts. Many Madeley couples have fond memories of meeting and courting at the Anstice and club membership peaked at almost 3,000 in the early 70s.
However, Working Men’s Clubs went out of fashion and the Anstice, which famously wouldn’t accept women as full members, was no exception. Running costs for a Grade II listed building were too much for the declining membership and the club went into liquidation in 2014.
Local people immediately started a passionate "Save the Anstice" campaign, attracting over 900 Facebook supporters in two weeks and lobbying local Councillors for support.
As a result, the Anstice was bought by Madeley Town Council who worked with the Anstice Community Trust to renovate the building and put this much-loved local landmark back in its rightful place at the heart of our community.
The Anstice now serves as a community hub for the people of Madeley. Complete with Madeley Library, a new café, refurbished ballroom and bar and fantastic accessibility, The Anstice once again stands proud at the heart of Madeley and ready to welcome you.
Timeline
1870 - The Anstice Memorial Institute opens for the local people of Madeley.
1874 - Fire at Anstice Memorial Institute.
1875 - Anstice Memorial Institute reopens after costly restoration.
1902 - First Madeley carnival to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII.
1903 - Public tennis club played at the back of the building, a touring company performed plays and cinematography (silent pictures) were shown.
1912 - Bowling Green established on the former tennis court at the back of the building.
1943 - Madeley Amateur Dramatic Society formed, performing for the first time at the Anstice Memorial Institute the following year.
1950 - The beginning of many successful years with concerts, dances, charity balls, plays and whist drives aplenty!
1979 - Telford Boxing Club held first ever boxing tournament at the Anstice Memorial Institute.
2014 - Working Mens Club goes into administration and The Anstice closes.
2015 - Madeley Town Council acquires the building and the Anstice Community Trust (ACT) becomes a registered charity. ACT runs a variety of fundraising events in the Ballroom over the next few years.
2019 - Major redevelopment of the building and recruitment of The Anstice team.
2020 - The Anstice reopens its doors for the people of Madeley, but sadly closes just 6 weeks later due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021 - The year begins with another national lockdown, but The Anstice reopens stronger than ever!
