Next time you visit the Odeon in the New Canal, Salisbury, look at the left hand wall of the foyer and you’re find, unexpectedly, a descriptive plaque.

One of a series put up by the district council, it describes the foyer’s origins – a 15th century banqueting hall built by a wealthy wool merchant and former Mayor, John Halle.

The plaque reads, “Built 1470-1483 by John Halle, wool merchant and Mayor of Salisbury.

Later used as an inn. Restored by A.W. Pugin 1834 – Plaque presented by Rank Leisure Services.”

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Halle was one of Salisbury’s great characters. Noted for his forceful ways and violent temper, he once fell out with the Bishop of Salisbury over use of a piece of land while he was Mayor.

Ordered to appear before the King, he displayed such temper in court that he was sent to the Tower.

His power in the city was demonstrated when Salisbury, asked to nominate a new Mayor, submitted the name of the still imprisoned Halle.

John Halle was admitted as a Member of the Common Council in Salisbury in 1446, became Alderman in 1448 and was made Constable of New Street Ward in 1449.

He was elected Mayor in 1451, 1458, 1464 and 1465. John Halle died in 1479,

The building known as Ye Halle of John Hall was completed in 1483, later used as an inn, and restored in 1834. Though it now forms the entrance to the Odeon in New Canal, the building’s style of architecture was wonderfully preserved.

On 7 September 1931 the ‘Gaumont-British Wonder Theatre’ (later renamed the Odeon) was formally declared open by the Countess of Pembroke and ‘The Salisbury Times’ estimated that nearly 5,000 people visited the theatre during the day.

The hall was also crowded in the evening, with its seating capacity being taxed to the limit.