IT remains one of Southampton’s most familiar landmarks but how many remember the two men, whose enthusiasm and money ensured its development.

Swaythling Hall, which was opened more than 80 years ago as Methodism’s new centre in Southampton, owes much to a famous British industrialist and the father of a renowned architect, who backed the hall’s construction.

In the autumn of 1932 the Daily Echo was there when the hall was officially declared open by the then mayor Alderman Fred Woolley.

The Daily Echo said: “Generous gifts from two laymen, Mr Joseph Rank, the mill-owner, who is about to build a great new mill in Southampton, and Mr W. J.

Collins, the father of the building’s designer, Herbert Collins, have made possible the building of the hall, one of the finest of its kind in the country, at a cost of more than £25,000 (£853,000 in today’s value).

“The main part of the new building, which is situated at the Swaythling end of Burgess Road, is octagonal in shape and has seating accommodation for more than 800.

Daily Echo: Guests at the
opening ceremony

“The Sunday schools attached have accommodation for between 800 and 900 children.

“A gallery extends across the widest part of the main hall, the architecture of which is distinctly beautiful.”

Joseph Rank, who died in November 1943, was the founder of Rank Hovis McDougall, later RHM, one the UK’s largest food production and flour-milling businesses until it was acquired by Premier Foods in 2007.

Born in 1854, Rank’s approach was to establish mills close to ports around the UK, so expanding the business until it was the largest flour-milling business in the country.

A staunch Methodist, Rank, who presided over the opening ceremony, had made himself responsible for half of the entire cost of the hall.

Reflecting his Christian beliefs Rank said it “would not be good for the church to receive so much and not do anything for themselves” so the congregation raised enough money to furnish the building, including an organ.

Mr Collins, who donated the other half of the costs, said: “This is a very great day for me. Some ten years ago I secured the land in the hope that one day a building of this kind would be built upon it.

“I recall that at the time I bought the land the Corporation was buying many areas for housing, but nothing was being done for Southampton’s spiritual needs.

“I admit I was beginning to despair about getting anyone to help me build the hall when Mr Rank came forward and offered to go fifty-fifty.”