Totnes Guildhall


Totnes Guildhall is a 16th-century Tudor historic guildhall, magistrate's court, and prison, in the town of Totnes, south Devon, in southwest England. It is a Grade I listed building.

History

In 1206, Totnes was granted a charter by King John enabling to makes its own bylaws. The merchants of the town also obtained permission to establish a guild and established the original guildhall at Totnes which was located in the High Street.
In 1553, King Edward VI granted Totnes a charter allowing a former Benedictine priory building, which had been used as the monks' refectory, to be converted into a guildhall and school. The building was converted to be a magistrate's court in 1624 and soldiers were billeted here during the English Civil War: Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax met for discussions at the oak tables in the main hall in 1646.
Until 1887, it was also used as the town gaol with the addition of prison cells. It remained a magistrate's court until 1974. During the history of the Guildhall, over 600 town mayors have been commemorated for their service in the lower hall.

Current use

Nowadays the building is used by Totnes Town Council for meetings and other ceremonial events. It is also open to the public during weekdays.