A medieval guildhall once stood in the High Street and was retained until at least the mid 17th century after a more modern structure was built in a slightly different location in 1604.

[1] At roof level, the builder erected an octagonal cupola with Doric order columns and a wrought iron weather vane above.

[1] The building was renovated at the expense of Sir George Henry Dashwood, a local member of parliament, in 1859 and a stone plaque was subsequently erected at first floor level in the middle of the north elevation to commemorate his contribution.

[7] In 1830, during a debate on the Swing Riots, a scene of public disorder broke out when the councillors started fighting with each other.

[11] The guildhall continues to be the scene of the annual weighing-in ceremony at which the elected mayor is weighed to ensure they have not been indulging excessively at the rate payers' expense.