[1] After significant population growth during the early 19th century associated with the town's role as a coaching stop on Watling Street,[2] a turnpike road which had been paved by the engineer, Thomas Telford, local businessmen decided to form a company to develop a town hall and corn exchange: the site chosen was a prominent location in the market place which clearly defined its southern boundary.

[1] It was designed by Thomas Heygate Vernon in the Italianate style, built by John Wheeler with ashlar masonry and was completed in 1866.

[6] The design involved a symmetrical main frontage with three bays facing onto Chantry Lane; the central bay, which slightly projected forward, featured a round headed doorway flanked by pilasters and brackets supporting a stone parapet; there were two small rounded headed sash windows separated by a colonette and flanked by pilasters on the first floor and a carved pediment above.

[6] On 29 March 1880 the clock tower and part of the surrounding roof were destroyed by a fire;[8] following rebuilding a new clock and bell were provided by Gillett, Bland & Co.[9] The building remained privately owned until 1935 when it was bought by Towcester Rural District Council for £2,250 to use as their meeting place and offices; the council had previously met at the workhouse on Brackley Road and had its offices in various locations around the town.

[14][15][16] Although the committee room on the ground floor was leased out to estate agents, Bartram & Co. in January 2018,[17] the public hall has continued to be used for concerts and community events.