The Town Hall

Council business had been carried on since the Middle Ages in a room over the gateway on the bridge; when this started causing traffic problems, agreement was reached with the Turnpike Trustees to rebuild on the current site. The Cecil family part funded the building, which was completed in 1779. The original designer may have been a cabinet maker called Henry Tatam, as there are similarities between this building and his own house in Barn Hill. The northern elevation, around the corner to the left as you view the front, is almost identical to this one, giving a symmetrical look to the building. If you look up between the top tier of windows, you can see a cartouche on which are the arms of Stamford.

The Town Hall has changed over the years, including the remodelling of the entrance hall in the early nineteenth century and the addition of the Council Chamber in the early twentieth century. The external terrace and stairs are an addition from about 1952. A major renovation programme, including the provision of a lift, was still ongoing in 2013.

The Court room on the first floor was used as a Magistrates’ Court until about 2010. The cells can still be seen in the basement.

The building houses an impressive collection of pictures, archives, furniture, civic regalia and the town’s charters. After the closure of the town museum in 2010, many of the Stamford artefacts loaned to the Museum by Stamford Town Council were returned for display. Exhibits for viewing in the Town Hall also include the marvellous Malcolm Sargent Collection, presented to Stamford Town Council by Sir Malcolm Sargent’s family.

Visitors can benefit from a guided tour of the Town Hall premises. These are scheduled on most days of the week.

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