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© Mr Richard Bland ARPS
IoE Number:
374108
Location:
THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET (south side)
CHARD TOWN, SOUTH SOMERSET, SOMERSET
Photographer:
Mr Richard Bland ARPS
Date Photographed:
01 September 1999
Date listed:
24 March 1950
Date of last amendment:
24 March 1950
Grade
II*
The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incorporate subsequent amendments to the list. For the statutory list and information on the current listed status of individual buildings please go to The National Heritage List for England.
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).