Town Hall

The Town Hall, built between 1833 and 1838, was commissioned by the 12th Duke of Norfolk, who funded its construction in exchange for the northern part of High Street to be enclosed within the Castle Grounds. The building was likely completed by October 21, 1836, when the Corporation discussed its transfer to the Town, and it was definitely finished by March 29, 1838, when the Paving Commissioners held their first meeting there. The architect is probably Robert Abraham, who worked for the Duke during the 1830s and is known for designing the nearby Congregational Church, which shares a similar style.

The Town Hall features knapped flint with galleting, Pulborough stone dressings, and a ground floor arcade. The sides and rear elevation are adorned with yellow brick dressings, while the foundations and basement are constructed of red and grey brick. The building has two storeys, a basement, and towers, with the end bays of the north elevation projecting forward and rising as towers. A triple arched loggia on the ground floor is situated between these bays and is topped by a parapet. The arches and window embrasures are semi-circular, featuring roll mouldings and cushion capitals. Above the first floor windows are three recessed oblong panels. A statue of a swallow is located on the parapet of the south elevation, and there are police cells in the basement.