Welcome to The Laverton
A community venue in Westbury, Wiltshire
‘The object of the Charity shall be the provision and maintenance of a community centre for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Westbury without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, including use for meetings, lectures and classes, and for other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.’
Book event space
We offer space for regular use, such as committee meetings, workshops, baby/toddler groups, dance classes. You can also book a one-time event to suit your needs.
What’s on
Have a look and see what’s happening now at The Laverton. We have dance classes, support groups, baby/toddler groups, upcycling workshops, Sunday church to name a few.
Special occasions
Let us help you celebrate one of the most important days of your lives with the people you love. Our largest room, the Main Hall can accommodate 125 people.
About Us
The Laverton, a Westbury Wiltshire Venue is a community and events venue built in 1873 by Abraham Laverton for the town of Westbury. It is grade II listed and it has charitable status. Since 2003 Westbury Town Council has been the sole trustee of the building. The rest of the building is available for private hire.
The Laverton aims to provide accessible and affordable meeting rooms and facilities for individuals, community groups and voluntary organisations. This period venue is well equipped with:
Latest News
Keep up-to-date with The Laverton’s latest news and events
Ballroom Dancing
LEARN TO DANCE FOR CHRISTMAS Beginner's Dancing at [...]
Sweet Kicks Burlesque
Sweet Kicks Burlesque Meets every Wednesday at The [...]
History of Laverton
The Laverton is owned by the Laverton Institute charitable trust.
In 1873 Abraham Laverton opened the Laverton Institute. At of a cost of £4,000 the building was designed by William Stent and built by W and W Keats. The Laverton Institute is an example of a Venetian, gothic style, revival building with red brick elevations with Bath stone dressing. The original roof featured an illuminated clock and incorporated a steeply pitched central Mansard roof (due to repairs, is no longer in place). The keystone above the canopy on the entrance is a carved pelican crest which appears on the coat of arms for Abraham Laverton. The Laverton Institute was designed to provide a place for educational, religious, philanthropic, scientific and political purposes. Part of the building was set aside for an elementary school for boys.
The large stained-glass window dominates the main hall. The panes depict William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, James Watt and Sir Edwin Landseer. Across the top is Laverton and Westbury coat of arms and a picture of a train and mill which were sources of wealth for Abraham Laverton.
There are also two mottos inscribed in the window ‘Industry brings Wealth’ and ‘Knowledge is Power’.
