Description: The extension of the 1890's is visible here, with the Civic Theatre (established in 1949) at the centre of the building. Also showing the library. The Stephenson Memorial Hall was built by Messrs Chadwick and Co, Architects - Smith and Woodhouse of Manchester. It was opened on 14th July 1879 by the Duke of Devonshire. It cost £13,734 of which £8,123 was raised by public subscription. The hall had a public hall and public library and reading room, laboratory, lecture hall, rooms for science and art classes and rooms for the Institute of Mining, Civil and Mechanical Engineers. Stephenson Memorial Hall was named in honour of the inventor George Stephenson, who lived and was buried in Chesterfield. See also DCCC000893