New Town Hall And Neeld Hall

The New Town Hall and Neeld Hall in Chippenham was built in 1848 by architect J. Thompson, funded by Joseph Neeld, MP. The building features a limestone ashlar front and a rubblestone right return, topped with a slate roof that has stacks at the rear. It has a double-depth plan with a market hall located at the back.

The exterior consists of two storeys and a four-bay front. The three bays on the left are symmetrical, while the right bay is stepped forward and has three storeys. The facade is adorned with a simple cornice and blocking course, along with plain bands below and at the first-floor sill level. Each light of the three-light small-paned sash windows is set within semicircular arches, which are supported by wide semicircular arches leading to a loggia. Plain pilasters on plinths flank the facade, with those on the central bay rising to support a parapet that displays the elaborate carved Neeld Arms. A panel below the cornice commemorates Joseph Neeld's contribution, stating, "The Corporation of Chippenham erected the Arms of Joseph Neeld Esq, the founder of this Hall and Market Place in acknowledgement of his private munificence 1851."

The right bay, likely built earlier, features a balustraded parapet and moulded cornice, a two-light sash window in a raised mullioned surround on the second floor, a platband, and a full-height tripartite window under a cornice on consoles. There is also a sill band above a tripartite plate-glass sash window with a cornice, and a blocked doorway to the right with a shallow hood on brackets. The right return includes various 19th-century sash windows in 19th-century surrounds, along with a door in plain ashlar surrounds.

Inside, the loggia boasts a stone vaulted ceiling. The building's facade is striking, with plain, heavy pilasters that contribute to its severe Classical style. Thompson also worked with Neeld on other projects, including Grittleton House.