Town Hall

1. WOOD STREET 5115 (South-West Side)

Town Hall SE 3320 NW 2/291 30.5.71.

I GV

1. 1877-80 by T E Collcutt. Inverted U-shaped range embracing a large public room behind (possibly once intended as the Council Chamber but now the Magistrates Court). Imposing building in a freely-interpreted north European Gothic style with Jacobean decorative touches. Very steeply pitched Welsh slate roofs having ornamental shaped and pedimented gable ends and tall, many-shafted chimneys. Ashlar in narrow, irregular courses. Windows mostly large 2 or 3-light cross casements. Main east front of three tall storeys and attic, three bays. Top storey has huge pedimented bay windows, breaking eaves, Attic is set back with a balustraded balcony. 1st floor oriels. Projecting central entrance has free decorative detail and a balustraded balcony over. At north corner is a great tower of six stages below a clock face and one deeply-arched stage over it, crowned by parapet before set back top storey and tall' mansard. Fairly regular 3-storey 7-bay north front. South elevation to Lee Street has two large end masses crowned by gables and a lower intermediate section having a central entrance with large round-arched doorway. A similar mass rises behind. Collcutt also designed the interior of which much survives including some furniture. The Court Room, the Mayor's Parlour, the Council Chamber and' (especially) the Members' Lounge contain rich relief decorations, carved fireplaces and very good woodwork.

Listing NGR: SE3302720927