The Edith Bankes Memorial Hall was erected by the late Sir John Eldon Bankes in memory of his wife in 1932. The hall (Formerly known as Edith Bankes Memorial Institute) was probably part of the general attempt at this time to revive rural communities by providing such community buildings. It is a memorial to Edith Bankes, wife of John Eldon Bankes, of Soughton Hall.
Since then it has provided continuous service to the community of Northop as a hub for social, educational and wellbeing.
The building is of red brick construction with a slate roof. The hall has open space to the front and sides. There is a ramped access to the left of the building leading to the bowling green. The bowling green whilst being part of the hall but is separately operated by Northop Bowls Club.
To the rear of the pavilion is a long-defunct tennis court. Despite repeated attempts, over many decades, to revive it the astronomical cost of returning it to a usable state make it completely impossible..
In 2001 the building was listed as Grade for its architectural and social interest. Follow the link below for further information. See listing information
In 1933 the grounds & the building were conveyed to the Northop Parish Council upon trust for use by the residents of Northop. It has now passed to Northop Community Council. The management and upkeep of the facility remains with the trustees of the hall (formerly "The Committee") with financial support from NCC.
The Hall has been used in the past as a magistrates court & doctors surgery.
The hall was improved in 2005 to proved better access and facilities and improve thermal efficiency.
In 2018 a major scheme was put forward to upgrade the building. Comprehensive plans were drawn up and the trustees held a public consultation. Whilst it it was widely agreed that the upgrade was desirable and would significantly enhance the provision for the community both now and for the future that funding on was not available. The plans remain alive and if funding becomes available will be re-visited.
In 2021 it was redecorated and many window replaced.
The trustees are currently seeking ways to reduce both the carbon footprint and the cost of maintaining a warm and friendly environment for the benefit of the community.
The hall continues to be regularly used and is an important part of the village.