The Guildhall
THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET
Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places
Overview
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1197456
- Date first listed:
- 24-Mar-1950
- List Entry Name:
- The Guildhall
- Statutory Address:
- THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET
Location
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Images of England Project
- Date:
- 1999-09-01
- Reference:
- IOE01/00033/29
- Rights:
- © Mr Richard Bland. Source: Historic England Archive
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Discover moreOfficial list entry
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1197456
- Date first listed:
- 24-Mar-1950
- List Entry Name:
- The Guildhall
- Statutory Address 1:
- THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
Location
- Statutory Address:
- THE GUILDHALL, FORE STREET
The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.
- District:
- Somerset (Unitary Authority)
- Parish:
- Chard Town
- National Grid Reference:
- ST 32223 08558
Details
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
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
- Legacy System number:
- 374108
- Legacy System:
- LBS
Sources
Books and journals
Collinson, J, History and Antiquities of the County of Somerset, (1791), 461
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
Map
This map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. This copy shows the entry on 11-Jun-2026 at 01:44:05.
Download a full scale map (PDF)End of official list entry
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