Mayo Memorial and Town Hall, more commonly the Mayo Hall, is amongst the prominent historical monuments of the city of Allahabad, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. These monuments are major contributors in attracting tourism to the city and the state. Allahabad in itself has been the centre of many historical events, the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 being the most relevant of them when the control and power came into the hands of the British. Apart from the religious aspects as the Kumbha Mela, the city"s monuments draw a large number of tourists, which also include students seeking knowledge and insight into the cultural and historical relevance of the city, so also depicted by the Mayo Hall.
The Mayo Memorial Hall is a large meeting hall located near the Thornhill and Mayne Memorial Library. Constructed in 1879, it was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne and its interiors developed by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London, and adorned with his exquisite gothic designs. The Mayo Hall vividly showcases the colonial architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries. Another eye grabbing facet of the Mayo Hall is the 180 feet high tower adjacent to it, distantly visible.
The Mayo Hall was built in the memory of the assassinated Viceroy Mayo and was a prime venue for receptions, balls and public meetings. Its early days had witnessed as many as 17 legislative council meetings held. The hall was a symbol of the grandeur of the British Colonial rule.
Mayo Memorial Hall"s premises are presently used as a sports complex for both indoor and outdoor sports, with national level sports also being conducted there. It has been given the status of a heritage monument by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Visiting Information to Mayo Memorial Hall, Allahabad
The Mayo Hall can be visited conveniently by availing the local conveyances in the Allahabad city. It is open on all days of the week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
