Description

CHARD

ST3308 FORE STREET
756-1/4/80 (South side)
24/03/50 The Guildhall

GV II*

Former Corn Exchange and Guildhall, now Town Hall. 1834. Ham
Hill stone ashlar; slate roof. T-shape plan. Classical style.
2 storeys, symmetrical 5-window range: central 3 set forward
under 2-storey hexastyle Doric portico with continuous plinth
forming low wall to loggia; columns to far left and right are
closer and this articulation is reflected below and on the
facade of the 1st floor, where Doric pilasters separate the
windows. The ground floor has a double row of Tuscan columns
and entablature, with a C20 facade to entrance. To the far
left and right, double doors are set in semi-circular arches
with banded rustication to surrounds. All windows have moulded
architraves with cornices and consoles. Surmounting the
dentilled pediment is a substantial domed cupola with clocks
to 3 sides below.
INTERIOR: remodelled c1970, except for the council chamber and
mayor`s parlour on the first floor. The parlour is the rear
arm of the T-plan; it has a high panelled plaster ceiling,
chamfered, similar to coved; a glazed ceramic fireplace,
dado-rail and high skirting boards; 5-panel doors with a
horizontal panel to the centre and a tripartite sash with
margin-panes to the rear. The council chamber, to the centre
front, is articulated by pilasters with recessed panels; it
has high skirting boards and deep segmental-arched recesses to
each end, that to the rear with a dais and original mahogany
bench, now painted; heavy plaster cornice; tall 6-panel doors
with applied mouldings, have moulded architraves with
cornices.
The Corporation Minute book has entries dated 1833 resolving
that the early C16 Guildhall be taken down and erected in a
more convenient place.
(Collinson J: History of Somerset: London: 1791-: P.461).

Listing NGR: ST3222308558

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• The Guildhall at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q17554150

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Suffolk: West: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)