Vestry Vestry A vestry was a committee for the local secular and ecclesiastical government for a parish in England and Wales, which originally met in the vestry or sacristy of the parish church, and consequently became known colloquially as the "vestry". For many centuries they were the sole civil government of rural areas. At the high point of their powers, just prior to removal of Poor Law responsibilities in 1834, the vestries spent not far short of one-fifth of the budget of the national government itself. Their secular and ecclesiastical duties were separated under local government reforms in 1894. Their ecclesiastical
Kensington Vestry Hall Kensington Vestry Hall The Kensington Vestry Hall is a historic building on Kensington High Street in Kensington, London, England. It houses Bank Melli Iran. The Kensington Vestry Hall was built by Thomas Corby in 1852. It was designed by architect James Broadbridge. Its construction was met with dismay by ratepayers, who complained about the outlandish railings. They were finally removed in 1880. From 1889 to 1960, the building housed the Kensington Central Library. It was dedicated by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll in November 1889. It has been listed as Grade II by English Heritage since April 15, 1969. By