THE GUILDHALL, BARNSTAPLE
THE Guildhall, on Barnstaple High Street, is a fine early 19th century civic building situated at the heart of the North Devon town, next to the Pannier Market.
Started in 1826, the Guildhall comprises a main chamber, formerly the courtroom, the council chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour, which was created in 1922 out of the former charge room and cell. The Guildhall is still used by the Town Council, and is also a visitor attraction as it holds the town silver and many fascinating relics of Barnstaple’s past.
Repairs are now needed to some of the exterior architectural details, and structural movement in the main chamber galleries needs to be addressed. Works to improve accessibility are also proposed to enable it to be used for more community events.
Cllr Louisa York,
Mayor of
Barnstaple, said: “The Guildhall is the centrepiece of the town centre and it is vital that it is made more accessible and able to be used for the benefit of the town. It is such an impressive building and we have a responsibility to make sure that it is cared for and serves residents and visitors.”