The first town hall had its origins in a chapel dedicated to St Mildrith which had been converted into a civic building by the insertion of an upper floor in the 18th century.

It was constructed on the site of the old town hall at a cost of £16,000 and was opened by John Patteson Cobbold, the then mayor, in 1868.

The tower houses an illuminated four-dial turret striking clock designed by Messrs. Dent of 61 Strand who were the makers of the Big Ben.

[11] John Warner & Sons of the Crescent Foundry London, cast the bell that sits in the tower that was made in 1867.

[13] The basement included a police station with seven cells and a parade area, a kitchen, offices and space for the Corporation fire engine and hose to be kept.