Monument record MDO45182 - Guildhall, Shaftesbury

Site of guildhall, replaced around 1578. No trace now remains of the building, which stood west of Church Lane and Goldhill Cross, adjoining the park wall. The town prison was located beneath the guildhall.

"The ancient Guildhall stood a little west of Church Lane and Goldhill Cross, adjoining to the park wall".

Underneath the Guidlhall was the town prison, some portion of which remained in 1868.

(At the position described approximately 86262292, Willis' map shows a building described as 'Gould Hill').

A map of Shaftesbury entitled 'The Streets of Shaftesbury where Markets are kept and Midsomer fair' (possibly dating from 1620) "shews the old Guildhall as the last house adjoining the park wall west of Goldhill Cross". <1>

The site falls in a built-up area and no visible trace of the Old Guildhall remains. It must have been in existence some time before 1578 as at that date a 'New Guildhall' was erected. (See ST 82 SE 24). <2>

<1> Hutchins, J, 1868, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. Volume 3. 3rd edition, 7, 41 Frontispiece - Willis's map of Shaftesbury 1615 Scale approx: 16" to 1 mile (Monograph). SDO11486.

<2> Edwards, D W, Field Investigator's Comments DE, F1 DE 27-JAN-56 (Unpublished document). SDO18341.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 206453 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jun 27 2023 2:52PM