The Guildhall

The Guildhall, dating to circa 1553, was reconstructed in 1624 and significantly altered in the 19th century. It occupies the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary, founded in 1086, and incorporates parts of the priory buildings following the Dissolution in 1536. The Courtroom is believed to stand on the site of the monastic refectory, retaining some original window openings and a doorway leading to what was the monastic kitchen. A building with a vaulted undercroft, potentially the Prior's lodging, formed the basis of the Grammar School, also established in 1553.

The building is two stories high, with a Welsh slate roof and a gabled belfry, topped with a lantern and a pyramidal roof over the Council Chamber. The walls are primarily medieval limestone rubble, dressed and patched with New Red sandstone. There are traces of blocked medieval windows, and 19th-century traceried windows in Perpendicular style within the original openings. A wooden doorway from the 15th century remains at the west end, featuring a timber lintol, a four-centred arched head, a plank and batten door with iron pegs, and moulded cover strips. A later doorway at the east end has a four-centred arched head and chamfered reveals.

A loggia, constructed circa 1897, stands in front of the Guildhall and incorporates granite columns salvaged from a 17th-century Exchange, which had previously served as a market. Initials, "L.A. 1615," are worked into the paving stones, referencing Lawrence Adams, the mayor at that time.

The interior courtroom retains some 16th-century linenfold panelling, with graffiti dating to 1633. 19th-century deal panelling and seats, along with a gallery featuring turned balusters, are also present. The courtroom displays a Royal Coat of Arms in plaster, dated 1553. A Magistrates chair, reputedly from 1624, features carved elements and the arms of Totnes. The Council Chamber on the first floor at the west end includes a canopied seat, a decorated plaster frieze, and an overmantel dating to 1624. A wainscotted prison cell, known as the "dark house," is accessible via a four-centred arched doorway with chamfered reveals, featuring barred windows and original plank and batten prison doors with iron pegs. Additional cells at the west end are now integrated into the boiler house area. The Guildhall served as a prison until 1893.