Guildhall (Town
Hall)
Northampton's Guildhall is a remarkable building
of the victorian gothic style. Completed in 1864 and opened on the
17th of May of the same year, it has stone carvings around its
facade that depict the history and life of Northamptons
inhabitants, including the cobblers trade. It succeeds the Old Town
Hall, which stood at the south-west corner of Abington Street and
the Wood Hill which had long been insufficient.
Designed and built by Edward Godwin of
Bristol, it is the home of the borough council and is Northamptons
most opulent building. The building stands upon the site of houses
in St. Giles' Square, which was for many years the property and
residence of a Dr. Robertson. Tours can be booked to view its
interior. Godwin designed the building to be symmetrical, and
complete with a Great Hall and Mayoral balcony, it is a masterpiece
with the 110ft high clock tower as the centrpiece of his work.
Sculptured groups in alto-relievo are carved into the heads of the
windows on the lower floor. The upper story has seven windows of
two trefoil-headed-lights each, with a cinquefoil light in the head
of the arch. The central window has the mayoral balcony in front
and between each upper floor window, on semi-pillars, stand eight
statues with canopies over them. The sloping roof of the Clock
tower is finished with a crest of lead.
Inside, it is vast with wide staircase,
galleries, stone carvings and the Council Chamber. Its style is the
Decorated Gothic, treated with individuality and richness. Recently
as 1992, a new extension was added which is very sympathetic to
Godwins work. It still remains the seat of the council offices and
rooms can be hired for corporate functions, weddings and
parties.