Runcorn Town Hall

After passing through the ownership of two other industrialists, it was purchased in the 1930s by Runcorn Urban District Council and converted into their offices.

In January 1854, the land on which the building stands was bought by Thomas Johnson from Francis Selkeld for £4,280 (equivalent to £510,000 in 2023).

[5] In the 1860s, the Johnson brothers became involved in the American Civil War by trying to break a naval blockade at Charleston but all their ships were sunk, resulting in a considerable loss of money.

[6] In that year, Halton Grange and its surrounding farm were sold to Charles Hazlehurst for £10,428 (equivalent to £1,230,000 in 2023).

[8] In 1904, the house was leased to Francis Boston, the owner of a tannery in Runcorn, who bought it in 1909 for £5,000 (equivalent to £660,000 in 2023).

In 1931, Frederick Clare and Latham Ryder, local builders, bought part of the grounds for £1,975 (equivalent to £170,000 in 2023).

[9] In 1932, Runcorn Urban District Council bought the house and the remainder of the grounds, a total of 11+3⁄4 acres (4.8 ha), for £2,250 (equivalent to £200,000 in 2023).

The entrance hall has a mosaic floor, probably by Minton, in the centre of which is the figure of a young girl's head, possibly the daughter of Thomas Johnson.

[12] The staircase is geometrical with cast iron balusters, over which is a large window glazed in a Venetian style.

[16] On the walls overlooking the staircase are two large paintings by Andrea Casali depicting the Continence of Scipio and Sophonisba Taking Poison.

Runcorn Town Hall, south aspect, with the newer office block in the background to the right
Marble columns inside the entrance to Runcorn Town Hall