Town Hall

SU 08 SE WOOTTON BASSETT HIGH STREET (central)

11/129 Town Hall

17.1.55

GV II

Town Hall, c1700, much restored 1889, timber framed raised on stone columns. Hipped stone slate roof. Ground floor open, 15 stone columns of tapered oolite with bulbous capitals and torus bases. Stair with heavy turned balusters and moulded strings to upper floor, three-and-a-half bays, former Council chamber. Stair and office in half bay. Elevation straight corner braces and herringbone framing under leaded wood casement windows, perhaps improved when building restored by Lady Meux in 1889. Whitened infill panels with Meux arms and inscription REST ANNO 1889 both ends. Roof now with weathercock replacing central timber lantern. Internally, timber posts jowelled carrying chamfered and stopped tie beams, cross ties removed when ceiling raised to collar level at restoration. Stair partly renewed at restoration. 6-panelled door. Chair dated 1686. Building, in a conservative style, was presented to the borough by Lawrence Hyde 1st Earl of Rochester as Council Chamber and Court Room. Ownership presented to town in 1895, when Blind House removed from below the stair.

Listing NGR: SU0669382537