Sir Charles Wilson, Lord of the Manor of Osgodby who lived at Osgodby Hall, had a vision for the development of Osgodby as a “model village”, and saw the need for facilities for reading and recreation which would be open seven days a week.

The first fund raising event for the provision of an Institute was held on 2 November 1928.

Sir Charles Wilson acquired an old  chapel for the village believed to have come from the Leeds/Harrogate District.  Sir Charles provided the site and secured the building at a cost of £600.  The building provided facilities for reading and recreation and was open seven days a week.  There was a grand opening on 2 August 1930 by Lord Deramore, Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding.

Following the death of Sir Charles, the Institute was to be auctioned, however, with the agreement of the Executors of Sir Charles, the building was sold to local villagers.  £230 was raised by locals and the building purchased on 29 April 1931 and is held in Trust on behalf of the villagers. 

During the 1950s the original committee appeared to lose interested in the building and it was rumoured it would be put up for sale.  This caused an uproar and a meeting was held and a new committee was formed. 

Over the years the building has continued to be refurbished with extensions in 1972,  and in 1996 the building was re-wired, new roofs,  toilets and kitchen at a cost of £7,642.50.  In 2014 Howdens Joinery kindly donated and refurbished the kitchen. In 2019, the main hall was refurbished.

Research Shirley Sinclair OVIHHG 2018 – 2022)

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