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'The Town Hall and Market House were built in 1832, under a special Act of Parliament. The markets were intended to be held on the ground floor, underneath which cells for prisoners were constructed, and the floor above was used for Petty Sessions, the Savings Bank, the County Court, etc. But no market has been held for more than twenty years; the County, in 1863, erected a building elsewhere for the Sessions and the custody of prisoners; the County Court was transferred to Malvern in 1867; and in 1883 it became necessary to close the Savings Bank, which had been established in 1819. The principal use of the building now is for public meetings, concerts and other entertainments.'
In the months and years following World War I, various ideas were mooted about a fitting War Memorial for the Town. It was decided that the Town Hall be purchased and reconstructed to the advantage of the town and district. 'The Chairman having given a concise outline of the steps which have been taken since January last year to erect a memorial to the men from the district who had paid the Great Sacrifice in the war, and at the same time to supply a much needed want in the neighbourhood by the provision of a suitable building for the holding of meetings, entertainment and other public functions, explained how the room in which they were met would be extended and made more suitable. Various rooms for committees, etc., would be added, whilst on the ground floor would be a spacious room where balls, theatrical performances, cinemas, etc., could be held. They were all anxious, added Dr Cowley, that the building, when completed, would be worthy of the object for which it was contemplated and of the energy which the promoters and others had thrown into the scheme for providing a necessary place for social, educational, political and business purposes. He proposed that they give consent and approval to the resolution passed by the Parish Council, resting the hall in tbat body.
Mr. C. Pumfrey seconded, and the resolution was unanimously passed.' On September 24th, 1921 the Upton upon Severn News reported: 'UPTON'S WAR MEMORIAL HALL The new memorial hall, capable of seating between 400 and 500 people, was filled to overflowing on Wednesday evening when the building was declared open to the public. The building, which fills a much felt want and is a very valuable acquisition to the town and district, consists of one large concert, dancing hall or cinema downstairs with the necessary offices, and upstairs a large meeting room with two smaller committee rooms and other apartments suitable for domestic offices. Gracing the front are the two metal Rolls of Honour, upon which are the names of the men from the parish who laid down their lives in the Great War are embossed.'
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