2-791-317 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"May Meetings" in the Metropolis - interior of Exeter Hall, 1844. Exeter Hall in the Strand, London: '...herein are held several anniversaries during the month of May. Our engraving represents one of these impressive reunions...The Great Hall is 90 feet broad, 138 in length, and 48 high, and is lighted by 18 large windows. It will hold 3000 persons with comfort, and 4000 crowded. The platform, at the east end, shown in our engraving, will accommodate 500 persons, and is fenced from the rest of the hall by a railing, within which is seated the chairman, surrounded by persons influential in convening the meeting, officers of the Society, &c. On very attractive occasions, the hall is crowded long before the proceedings commence, and ladies are to be seen at the doors early in the morning, waiting till the hour of opening'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.