Totnes Guildhall |
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In 1206 King John granted a charter to Totnes making it a free town. It could then draw up its own laws. The merchants also obtained permission to set up their own Guild, which by the middle of the 13th century had 120 members. The original Guildhall was in the High Street.
In 1553 Edward VI gave Totnes a charter authorising the re-use of a former Priory building (founded 1088) as a Guildhall and schools. In 1624 the Guildhall was converted into a Magistrate's Court, during the Civil War soldiers were billeted here. The Guildhall remained a Magistrate's court until 1974, it is now used for Town Council meetings and other ceremonies such as the Mayor Choosing.
Some of the foundations and walls date back to the time of the Priory. In the Lower Chamber is a list of Mayors which dates back to 1359, the robes used in the Mayor Choosing are on display. Visitors can see cells from the time when the building was used as a Gaol and in the Council Chamber are large oak tables where Lord Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell sat to discuss their next plan of action.
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
1st April to 31st October:Monday - Friday 10.30am - 3.30pm. School parties and Group visits welcome by arrangement. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Please contact the Guildhall for details.
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Directions
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Totnes Guildhall Postcode for SatNav: TQ9 5QH |
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Nearby Attractions
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Totnes Castle
(< 1 Mile)*
Totnes Castle is a unique treasure in an area rich with character and history. It is one of the best surviving examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle. |
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High Cross House
(1 Mile)*
The house was designed by the Swiss-American architect William Lescaze and is regarded as one of his most important and successful commissions. A superb example of International Modernism. |
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Berry Pomeroy Castle
(2 Miles)*
This former home of the Pomeroy and Seymour families, in a beautiful woodland setting, is shrouded in sinister folklore and legend. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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