Town Hall

The Town Hall, originally an inn, dates back to the 14th century but was rebuilt above ground in the later 18th century and remodeled in 1893 by Samuel Denman in an eclectic Queen Anne-Baroque style. It is constructed of red brick with extensive red brick and terracotta decoration. The ground floor features a rusticated pilaster order, while the first floor has a full entablature with raised panels around the windows. A heavy entablature with swags in the frieze and flutings over the windows adorns the first floor. Above, a moulded cornice leads to a parapet with recessed blank arched panels. The central aedicular feature is supported by curved elements and topped with a triangular pediment. The slate roof is hidden by the parapet and features end stacks. The building has three storeys and eight bays, arranged in a 2-3-3 pattern, with the central three bays projecting and narrower. Sash windows are present throughout, with those on the ground and first floors lacking glazing. A single thermal window is located in the center of the second floor, directly above a tall window with arched glazing. Other windows have cornice hoods, and those flanking the center feature triangular pediments. Arched window surrounds are found on the ground floor, except for the left of center, which has plain surrounds. The arch mouldings are made of striped brick and stone, with keystones carved as masks. The arches at the center rise from antae that support bracket pilasters leading to a heavy Doric entablature, which includes a cast-iron lamp holder over the entrance. The central entrance features paired half-glazed doors, with an additional half-glazed door on the second bay from the right.

Inside, the undercroft dates back to the 14th century and includes an arch and tunnel vault. The staircase, originally from Slaugham Place and dating to around 1620, was installed in the inn during the later 18th century. It is now an Imperial staircase with a long first flight, high newel posts, tapering balusters with capitals, and significant figural carving. The later 19th and early 20th-century front of the Town Hall and Corn Exchange can also be seen in Fisher Street.