Greek Architecture

Greek architecture in Bedford, England

3. St Paul's Square (east side) and Corn Exchange

Is the east side of the square worse than the west? The facade of the Corn Exchange is not a pretty sight. The proportions are fine, but the details are grim. The double Corinthian pilasters should be noted - the three windows on the "piano nobile" and their surrounds ultimately derive from a Roman triumphal arch: compare the Arch of Constantine in Rome.It's a good concert venue, though, and was the where Glen Miller played his final gig before his disappearance in 1944.

From Wikipedia: "The BBC Symphony Orchestra used the Corn Exchange between September 1941 and July 1945 for public concerts which were broadcast to the nation. The BBC Music and Religious Departments moved to Bedford when it became too dangerous for them to be based in London or their wartime home, Bristol. Around 400 musicians, staff and engineers moved to the town during World War Two.

In 1944, the BBC Proms came to Bedford. Since their birth they had been performed in The Queen's Hall in London which was destroyed by bombs on 10 May 1941. They moved to the Royal Albert Hall until that too became in danger and they transferred to the Corn Exchange for the rest of the 1944 season.

The Corn Exchange played host to many star names during World War Two including Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Vera Lynn, Bob Hope, Humphrey Bogart, Gracie Fields, David Niven and Yehudi Menuhin. During this time the Corn Exchange was also used as an Armed Forces Canteen.[3] [4] The Harpur Suite, part of the Corn Exchange complex In 1995, the Philharmonia Orchestra began a residency at the Corn Exchange. It is still one of the homes of the orchestra today."

The pub next door - then known briefly as the Pig and Whistle - was always a place to avoid: not least because of the architectural confusion. It does however weirdly echo the structure of the Corn Exchange.

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