The first section of the Queens' Building, then known as the People's Palace, was opened by Queen Victoria on 14 May 1887.[1] Much of the initial funding for the construction of the building was provided by John Thomas Barber Beaumont, who, following his death in 1840, had left a sum of money to be used to promote the education and entertainment of the people in the vicinity of the nearby Beaumont Square. It included a large concert hall called the Queen's Hall, a library, now known as the Octagon, a gymnasium, swimming pool, garden and tennis court.[2]
The Hall was used for a variety of events, including lectures, concerts and organ recitals, shows of birds and flowers, exhibitions of animals and pictures, fetes and more. The Palace Journals (1887-1895) provide a rich account of the early years of the People’s Palace and a valuable insight into Victorian culture and social history. The technical and trade school which formed part of the People's Palace later developed into Queen Mary College.[3]
A large section of the building, including the Queen's Hall, was completely destroyed by a fire on 26 February 1931. It was rebuilt in the following years, with a much greater focus on education, including lecture theatres and laboratories, and was incorporated as Queen Mary College on 12 December 1934.
The People's Palace itself was rebuilt as a new building located to adjacent to the current Queens' Building, and continued on as a theatre, cinema and music hall for a number of years, until revenues declined and it was purchased by the college in 1954.[4]
