[1] The current structure replaced a medieval guildhall which was situated on the northern side of Cathedral Square.

[3] The current building, which was designed by John Lovin who had also been the architect for the restoration work on the Bishop's Palace in Peterborough, was completed in 1671.

[6] The building, which was funded by public subscription, bears the Royal arms of King Charles II[7] and shields displaying the arms of Bishop Joseph Henshaw, Dean James Duport, Humphrey Orme MP and the Montagu family.

[8][9] At that time the guildhall was physically connected to other buildings, which have since been demolished, on the St John's Church side.

[1] The upper floor of the guildhall, which is reached by a cast iron staircase, was the meeting place of Peterborough Municipal Borough Council from its incorporation in 1874 until the new Town Hall in Bridge Street was completed in 1933.