Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, built in 1768 by the Dean and Chapter of Durham, is located in the center of the new Market Place they established around 1767. The building is constructed of ashlar and features a pyramidal slate roof. It has two storeys, with an open arcaded ground floor designed for use as a market hall. This ground floor is supported by three arches on the south, east, and west sides, which are set on Doric columns, with square rusticated corner piers and half column responds. A central pillar on the steps may be part of a former market cross.

The upper floor consists of three bays on each elevation, featuring a central "Venetian" window flanked by single semi-circular headed windows. The single windows on the east and west fronts are blank. On the north front, the entrance door is located in the center light of the "Venetian" window, topped with a fanlight. Access to the upper floor is provided by a symmetrical double branch stone staircase, which leads to a grand semi-circular arched opening that allows entry to the open market hall below. The roof is topped with a square timber turret and a domed octagonal cupola.

Originally, the hall served as a venue for the Dean and Chapter's Manorial Courts and as offices for their officials. In 1855, it was sold to the corporation along with the market tolls. The building underwent restoration in 1977.