Trowbridge Town Hall was given to the town in 1889 by Sir Roger Brown as a public hall and council offices.
It sits on the former site of a manor house, The Limes, and has been home to the West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Courts. Coroner’s inquests, including those into the deaths of military personnel, are currently held at the grade-II listed building.
A close inspection of the detail of the building uncovers a rich cultural heritage with links to power looms and a railway engine seen from the front.
An inscription, which sits above a door to the far right, warns those entering to ‘Obey Magistrates’.
Now Glyn Bridges, chairman of Trowbridge Civic Society, fears valuable artefacts bestowed to the people of Trowbridge are under threat of being lost forever.
“A huge portrait of Sir Roger Brown, who built the town hall and gave it to the people, is at risk from a serious damp problem in the room in which it sits,” he said.
Tombstones from the Conigre Chapel, ornate lamps from the town hall entrance, a weathervane from the roof, a coat of arms from above an oriel window which was removed, along with other objects, are all sitting in the building.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here