The Guildhall

BRADNINCH FORE STREET (east side), SS 90 NE Bradninch 13/16 The Guildhall - 24.10.51 GV II Guildhall. 1835; rear extensions of 1893; alterations and enlargement of facade, 1921-3. Cob and stone, pebbledashed, under slate hipped roof, with parapet. 2 storeys. Front: symmetrical; the original building is of 3 bays, each divided by pilasters (and with pilaster quoins); at the intersection of these and the parapet are placed the Duchy of Cornwall devices of crown and feathers, with the spread eagle device occupying the central position and slightly breaking the parapet level. 3 large lst floor windows are also of the original build, all with hornless sashes, 8 panes above, 12 below, under segmental-headed arches. To this front in 1921-3 were added: (1) recessed stair turrets to each side, treated as the main range but without upper windows or heraldic devices, each with recessed doorway, and architrave under moulded canopy on console brackets; to the left-hand stair turret is affixed a 2- way clock of 1902. (2) canted bay window to the original side bays, the side lights with two 4-pane horned sashes, the middle light with two 8-pane horned sashes. (3) a square-headed central doorway with architrave and inscription panel above (giving date of 1921 and attributing the work to the then Prince of Wales); small balcony under central window, supported by console brackets, with iron railings. Rear extension (of 1893) is plain; of the fenestration, two of the three 2-light windows to the right-hand side elevation, and the 3-light window to the end have double-leaded glazing, 15 panes below the transom, and 9 above. The end window contains a (re-used) roundel of glass with the Royal arms, presumably of 1835. Some internal decoration of 1835 survives. Reference: A Taylor, Portrait of Bradninch, A Duchy Town (Tavistock, 1981) pp.6-7.

Listing NGR: SS9997503991