Guildhall

The Guildhall, located on the south side of Market Place, was built in 1828 and designed by Matthew Habershon. After a fire, the interior and facade were remodeled in 1842 by Duesbury and Lee, during which a clock tower was added. The building is constructed of ashlar and consists of five storeys, with the ground storey featuring a rusticated design. There are slightly projecting bays on either side, each with pilaster sides and one sash window set in a moulded architrave. The central square tower projects outward and has a tall arcaded upper stage topped with a cupola and a clock face on the front and sides. On either side of the tower at the first storey are panels of relief sculpture by John Bell. The building has a plain frieze, a moulded eaves cornice, and a blocking course that is surmounted by four urns. The ground storey includes a cobbled covered-way at the center, flanked by cast iron columns, which leads to the Market Hall at the rear. The Guildhall, Market Hall, and Nos 35 and 36 form a group.