Queens' Building

The Queens’ Building stands in Mile End, a district of London’s Tower Hamlets. It was opened in 1887 as the People’s Palace, a place for learning and entertainment in the East End. John Thomas Barber Beaumont left money for education and entertainment near Beaumont Square. The first section included a concert hall, library, gymnasium, swimming pool, garden and tennis court. Queen Victoria attended the opening ceremony on 14 May 1887. The building hosted lectures, concerts, organ recitals, exhibitions and fetes. Its early years are recorded in the Palace Journals from 1887 to 1895. A fire on 26 February 1931 destroyed much of the original structure. It was rebuilt with lecture theatres and laboratories and became part of Queen Mary College in 1934. The People’s Palace later moved to a new building nearby and continued as a theatre and cinema. Visitors find a Grade II listed building with modern lecture rooms and laboratories. The rebuilt Queen’s Hall remains a central feature. The Octagon library still holds its original name and purpose. The surrounding campus blends Victorian architecture with later additions. The building reflects the history of education and culture in the East End.