Totnes Guildhall
Tudor guildhall in Totnes with the old council chamber, magistrates' court and gaol cells, free to visit on weekdays from April to October.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Totnes Guildhall is a Grade I listed building behind St Mary's Church in the centre of Totnes. After King John granted a charter in 1206, the town's merchants formed a guild and built a first guildhall on the High Street. The present building was once part of Totnes Priory. After the dissolution of the monasteries, a charter of Edward VI in 1553 allowed the former monks' refectory to become the town's guildhall.
During the Civil War soldiers were quartered in the building, and in 1646 Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax are said to have met at the oak tables of the council chamber. A magistrates' court opened on the first floor in 1624, and cells in the basement made the hall the town gaol until 1887. The court hearings ended in 1974. The lower hall displays the names of more than 600 mayors who have served since 1359, and a loggia added in 1897 uses columns saved from the demolished Exchange.
Today Totnes Town Council uses the guildhall for meetings, ceremonies and weddings. During the summer months it is also open to visitors on weekdays, when volunteers can show people around the council chamber, the court room and the old prison cells. Entry is free, and donations towards the upkeep of the building are welcome. The building is sometimes closed for council events, so it is worth checking before a visit.
Highlights
- Tudor council chamber with historic oak tables
- Old magistrates' court
- Basement gaol cells
- Names of mayors since 1359
- Former priory refectory
- Operated by
- Totnes Town Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free entry; donations towards the upkeep of the building are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The Guildhall is on Ramparts Walk behind St Mary's Church, a couple of minutes from the High Street. Reach it through the churchyard.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Volunteers show visitors around during open days. |
