[1] The original civic meeting place in the town was the burgess hall on the first floor of the North Gate which was completed in 1270.

[1] A sign on the wall above the window at the south end suggests the building was constructed by a Thomas Burne and a Roger Taylor.

[9] It was refurbished and stained glass windows were installed to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.

[1] The stained glass windows depicted all the kings and queens who had granted charters to the town from 1157 to 1830.

[11] A drinking fountain which was decorated with two doves and cast by the Saracen Foundry was installed outside the town hall in the late 19th century.