The Cloth Hall was erected in 1766 by Sir J.R. and consisted of just one story. Enlarged by his son in 1780 the enlargement consisted of a second story, around the circle only. In 1848 the Cloth Hall was restored by his Grandson, Sir J.W.R., who in 1863 also erected the North and South Transepts, as well as providing a main entrance. The trade having changed, the Cloth Hall was converted into an Exchange and Newsroom in 1881, with the upper part of the building still continuing to be occupied by small scale manufacturers. It was said that these alterations had resulted in the Cloth Hall becoming a great benefit to the town of Huddersfield, as well as the Estate.
In 1855 an Exchange was advocated for Huddersfield and a plan was presented by Mr Tarn, for a one story Exchange for the site opposite the new George Hotel, a site which later became occupied by Mr G.W. Croslands Warehouses. In 1881 this idea of a new Exchange and News Room was taken up by I.H. but the scheme was snubbed. Those who should have supported the proposal claimed Huddersfield was not ripe for an Exchange. The Cloth Hall was demolished in 1929-30, and the Art Deco style Ritz Cinema was built where this impressive building one stood. This too has now gone and has been replaced with a Sainsburys supermarket.
