Name

Caxton Hall

Connection

Site of an Australian celebration held in 1916.

Location

10 Caxton Street, Westminster, SW1H 0AQ

How to get there

Nearest underground station: St James’s Park (Circle and District Lines)

Story

The Australian Natives Association (ANA) established a London branch in 1916. It became a driver in the establishment of various social clubs, catering to Australian soldiers who visited London during the First World War. A key establishment was the ANZAC Buffet which was originally housed in the AIF Administrative Headquarters at 130 Horseferry Road and then moved to 94 Victoria Street. The War Chest Club opened opposite the AIF. A walk down Horseferry Road today reveals new buildings on the sites of these uniquely Australian London buildings. In 1916 the ANA held the first annual Corroboree on January 26, called Foundation Day at that time. The venue was Caxton Hall.

Photo AWM 

As mentioned elsewhere in Londown Under, thousands of Australian men and women spent time in London during the First World War – here. Caxton Hall hosted many important events, including meetings of the Women’s Social and Political Union – a key organisation of the Suffragette Movement. The first Annual Corroboree of the ANA added to this list.

Photo – here

Program cover from ANA 1916 Annual Corroboree – here