Charles Iyan was for many years Hall-Keeper and Mayor's Attendant at West Ham Town Hall, Stratford Broadway.  Originally appointed by the West Ham Local Board, he became one of the Corporation staff in 1886, continuing as hall-keeper and mayor's attendant until 1892. This photograph was taken in the 1880s. Mr Iyan also appears in the earlier group photograph of the staff of West Ham Local Board.

 The following is an article from the West Ham Herald of 28^th May, 1898.

 "Death of West Ham's First Beadle

At Tuesday's meeting of the Town Council a letter was read announcing the death, on Monday afternoon of  Mr. Charles Iyan the first town hall-keeper under the Corporation of West Ham. Mr. Iyan lad lived in West Ham, where he had a wide circle of acquaintances, for close upon half a century, and for twenty-three years he held his post at the Town Hall. Mr. Iyan died at. No. 10 Idmiston-road, Forest-lane, but his home was at Aberton, in Essex. He retired from his post at the Town Hall, in 1892 on a pension, and his retirement attracted more than ordinary notice because only a few weeks later his wife died. There was a very pleasant little smoking concert at the Langthorne Rooms, Stratford, some time later, at which a testimonial and a purse of money were presented to Mr. Iyan by the then Mayor. The funeral took place this (Friday) afternoon at the West Ham cemetery. Charles Iyan was a very pleasant old gentleman, and made an imposing figure, in his cocked hat, at the quarterly meetings of the Council, and at any Corporation function that warranted the display of more than ordinary magnificence."

[This article was accompanied by a sketch of Mr Iyan, drawn shortly before his retirement]