Victoria Hall Picture House fire in Queen Street, 1919, Exeter

Exeter's Victoria Hall was established in the 1860s, as a multi-purpose building that was intended to host a variety of events. In 1868, the Chamber of Commerce recognised a need for a new building that would be able to house an upcoming meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, an event that promised to attract around 2,000 attendees. A company was formed to finance the project and shares were issued for £5 each in order to meet a cost of around £7,000. The design, comprising a 35 metre long main hall, was designed by Mr C. J. Phipps of London. A lecture hall, committee room, and sale hall, were added years later.

In following years, the Victoria Hall would also play host to Wilson's Great World Circus, in 1885, and serve as drill hall for the 1st Devonshire Rifle volunteers. Magic lantern shows, including Poole's Myriorama, and Exeter's first moving picture film, in October 1896, were also shown at the venue. In 1908, the hall also hosted the "Indian Exhibition." Skating also occurred from 1910. 

On the night of the 6th October 1919 a fire was sighted by the Queen's Street Station watchman, and the local fire service were called. By the time they arrived flames were leaping from the building and most of the windows were smashed. Around £6,000 of damage was incurred and the Victoria Hall's famous organ lost in the disaster.

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