The Guildhall

The Guildhall is a significant building located in the Market Place, constructed between 1788 and 1795. Designed by Sir Robert Taylor and altered by William Pilkington, it primarily consists of one storey over a basement, with a central section rising to two storeys. The front facade is symmetrical, made of white brick resting on a projecting ashlar stone base, featuring a stone string course at the springing of the main window arches. It has a wide stone cornice with an enriched soffit and a stone blocking course, topped by a hipped slate roof.

The main front includes a central block that slightly projects, featuring a hexastyle Doric stone portico with a triglyph frieze and a moulded cornice. This portico stands on a wide stone landing, accessed by four steps that span the entire width, with returns at each end. A large central double door with six panels is located under the portico, framed by a moulded stone architrave and cornice, above which is a panel displaying the City Arms. Above the portico, there are three arched windows with stone architrave surrounds and radiating voussoirs.

Flanking the central block are very tall arched windows set within arched recesses, featuring projecting and vermiculated bonded stonework, with voussoir arches and tall ashlar keystones. Originally, the portico was centrally located on the west end of the building but was later removed and rebuilt on the north side. The original position is now occupied by a projecting section that has one window to the north and three to the west, designed in a similar but simpler style.

The facade facing Queen Street mirrors this design but includes a large central bow with three windows. The front to Butcher's Row is generally similar as well. Inside, there is a fine reception room along the entire east side, showcasing original decoration and restrained plasterwork. The central area of the building features a staircase hall with a glazed round lantern, separated from the entrance hall by a screen of Tuscan columns. Additionally, there is a reset Elizabethan fireplace in the hall.