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.