The structure, which is one of the places in Cornwall where royal proclamations are read out, is a Grade II listed building.

The site he selected, on the south side of Newport Square, had been occupied by a leather drying loft owned by a local currier, Nicholas Burt.

[7] However, Newport had a very small electorate and a dominant patron, the duke, which meant it was recognised by the UK Parliament as a rotten borough.

[10] An extensive programme of refurbishment works, costing £30,000, as carried out to a design by Parkes Leas Architects in the early 21st century.

[11] The building, which remains under the ownership and management of Launceston Town Council,[12] was one of the places in Cornwall at which the proclamation of King Charles III was read out in September 2022.