From the Darlington & Stockton Times of April 20, 1872
IN Northallerton, the D&S reported that “the old unsightly shambles, which have disgraced the fine town-street for so many years, are being pulled down”.
The Northallerton Market and Public Improvements Company had taken ownership of the old municipal buildings in the middle of the main street and were beginning to replace them with a town hall designed by Darlington architects Ross and Lamb – the building that stands today.
“The new town hall will cover a space of 110ft by 35ft and will afford shelter and suitable accommodation for country butchers, parties attending with butter, eggs, poultry and farm produce and there will be vaults and cellarage for depositing and packing same, and every requisite convenience.”
Northallerton Town Hall in 2022
The upper floor of the new hall would have a public meeting room 72ft by 32ft. “Although Northallerton is a Parliamentary borough and the capital of the North Riding,” said the D&S, “the market arrangements have always been inadequate to public requirements and the want of a public room has long been felt.”
The town hall was eventually opened on December 22, 1873.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here