Although it is believed that there was an earlier building on the site, the present Guildhall, or Town Hall as it is known today, was built in 1544, during the reign of King Henry VIII. Originally the building was covered in thick lime plaster, and the roof was thatched. At the rear stands the Crane House with the crane folded back against the building ready to be swung out over the river to unload a boat. Today the Town Hall is used by the present Town Council for meetings, and it is believed to be the oldest and smallest still in use.
