Before 1898, Ilford's civil affairs were managed from over a shop located at 3 Cranbrook Road. When the town expanded a larger building became a necessity. The Council temporarily relocated to the old Ilford Hall while a Town Hall was built. On 17th March 1900, Councillor Gilson laid the foundation stone. It was a cold day with snow covering the ground. Two sealed bottles were placed in a cavity beneath the stone. These time capsules contained a copy of the architect's statement, a copy of the Ilford Guardian, the Times newspaper, and British coins minted in 1900.