Alcester Town Hall, built in 1618, is a significant historical building that has served various roles in the community, including a market hall and a memorial to those who served in the Great War.
Construction and Early History
- Foundation: The town hall was constructed in 1618 with funding from Sir Fulke Greville III, the Lord of the Manor, who allocated £300 for its building. The original design included a stone colonnade on the ground floor, which served as a market area for local traders.
- Architectural Features: The lower part of the hall was designed by Simon White, with limestone columns sourced from his quarry in Chipping Campden. The upper floor, completed in 1641, was initially intended to be stone but was built from timber due to cost constraints.
Community Role and Changes
- Market Hall: The ground floor was used as a covered market where various goods were traded. In 1765, the Lord of the Manor revoked market tolls, provided the townspeople maintained the hall.
- Public Services: The hall housed a lock-up for petty criminals until 1850 when a dedicated police station was established. It also served as a fire station in the mid-19th century and was used as a hospital during World War I.
Memorial and Renovations
- War Memorial: In 1919, the townspeople raised funds to purchase the hall from the Marquess of Hertford, renaming it the Alcester War Memorial Town Hall in honour of those who lost their lives in the war.
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Renovations: The hall has undergone various renovations, including the removal of a false ceiling in 1938 to expose the original timber roof. The building continues to serve the community, hosting events and local
