Guild Hall (Including Borough Museum)

SS7025-7125 5/5 20.8.51

SOUTH MOLTON BROAD STREET (south side) Guild Hall (including Borough Museum)

GV I

1743 and 1773. The materials for the earlier phase of building were purchased at the sale of features from Stowe, the demolished Charles II mansion in Cornwall in 1739 and the building therefore seems old fashioned for its date. 2 storeys stuccoed, the ground floor rusticated. Slate roof. Upper storey carried over pavement on 3 round-headed arches with keystones. First floor has 4 pilasters with Corinthian capitals. Pediment with Royal Arms. Balustraded parapet with urns. Wooden cupola with clock and weathervane. 2 cambered sashes with moulded architraves and keystone. Central niche with bust of Hugh Squier (AD 1625-1710) erected in 1910 with floral wreath below. The 1743 building contains the Court Room, the Constable's Room and the Mayor's Parlour. In 1773 a 2-storey wing in stone rubble was added at the rear to accommodate a large dining room for hospitality to visiting notables, with kitchen and other offices below. This wing is now known as the Old Assembly Room. The interior of the 1743 part contains a good early C18 staircase with twisted balusters and dado panelling. The Court Room on the first floor has a fine bracket cornice, panelling and fine floral and gilded moulding to the architraves. The original early C18 jury benches survive. (Kings Arms) made by William Puckridge of London in 1743. Pedimented doorcases with 8 fielded panelled doors. The Mayor's Parlour also has cornices, panelling and fireplace, most of the features having come from Stowe. The Old Assembly Room has a good late C18 plain marble fireplace and panelling.

Listing NGR: SS7142925841