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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.

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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.

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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.