[2] Originally referred to as the "town house", it was designed by John Wood of Bath and constructed in the Market Place by a local building firm, Clarkes,[3] and completed in 1742.

[7] In 1825, the UK Parliament passed the Newbury and Speenhamland Improvement Act, which, among other matters, contemplated a new town hall to replace "the ancient building then standing in the Market Place".

[9] The new municipal buildings were enhanced by the erection of a clock tower, which was financed by a public subscription campaign organised by the mayor, James Benjamin Stone, and completed in 1881.

[13] A plaque was installed on the town hall to commemorate the visit by Queen Elizabeth II, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the granting of a Royal Charter, on 25 October 1996.

[15] Works of art in the town hall included portraits by Allan Ramsay of King George III and of Queen Charlotte.