York Historic Environment Record

The Women’s Institute, which was set up in 1915, was instrumental in the building of village
halls all across the UK. Their initial aim was to produce food during WWI, but since then they
have provided social and educational opportunities, and have brought women together from
different backgrounds (thewi.org.uk). The Copmanthorpe branch of the WI was formed in
1924 and built the Copmanthorpe WI hall in 1927, since 2001 the Hall was used by various
local groups and private hirers. The Hall was also used as an emergency centre when needed
(Wendy Rayne-Davis, 30th September 2016). Historic England have re-listed four WI buildings,
recognising the importance that the WI as played for women and for British society (Historic
England, 9th November 2015).

The building is single-storey, rectangular-shaped with a pitched roof. It is symmetrical in plan.
The Copmanthorpe WI Hall is mostly in its original state with few modern upgrades, including
a Heritage Lottery grant to update the Kitchen. The use of the building hasn’t changed in 89
years; it was purpose built to accommodate local groups and organisations like the WI, to
which it has served well. This is evident in how little has changed within the structure, layout
and décor of the building.

YAT, 2016, WI Hall, Copmanthorpe, Bldg Rec (Unpublished document). SYO1864.