Bishop Auckland Town Hall
The History of Bishop Auckland Town Hall
The present site was occupied by groups of old houses and a market cross around which traders gathered on market days to sell eggs, butter, poultry and other produce. In 1859 a Company was formed to build a Town Hall and, to raise money, shares in the company were sold mainly to local people.
The official opening of Bishop Auckland Town Hall was held on 28th October 1862. It took place despite many parts of the building not being finished. Although the founding of the Town Hall was by a private company it was bought in 1888 by the Local Board of Health which, in 1894, became the Bishop Auckland Urban District Council. At this time the large lecture hall held 800 people and there was also a boardroom, a series of public offices and Shaw's Temperance Hotel which was managed by Mrs. Jane Shaw.
The Town Hall served as the administrative centre of Wear Valley until the mid-1970's. After a period of uncertainty over the building's long term future, a joint venture between Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council, led to the restoration of the building and its magnificent transformation into a new arts complex which opened in 1993. The Town Hall occupies a prime site in the Market Place and is a Grade 2* Listed building in the French Gothic revival style.
Over the years the Town Hall has been the venue for a wide range of activities. There were regular concerts and theatrical performances. On 2nd December 1919, Sir Edward Elgar conducted a selection of his own work played by the Leeds Symphony Orchestra. The Town Hall was also the setting for "Industrial Week" exhibitions, organised to promote manufacturing and commerce. In the early 1950's the Hall was renovated and improved, "including the provision of a new sprung dance floor and modern new lounge bar for drinking facilities, when granted by licence for special occasions by the Justices of the Peace."
During its lifetime The Town Hall seems to have had many uses. It has been a temperance hotel, offices of the Conservative Association, an indoor market, an air raid shelter, turkish baths and a public toilet. The building now comprises a library, tourist information centre and consumer protection office on the first floor, a gallery and exhibition space in the basement; and a fully equipped theatre/ performance space and bar on the first floor, together with a smaller meeting room on the second floor.
Rooms to hire
The Town Hall has 4 rooms for hire: the Elgar Room, Eden Theatre, Laurel Room and McGuinness Gallery. Whether you’re looking for a small room for a meeting or a venue for your wedding reception / party we can accommodate you. With full presentation equipment and a wide range of catering options you can be sure of a successful day if you hire Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
If you are a charitable, non-profit making organisation, based in or serving the needs of the District of Wear Valley, you are eligible to join our Registered User scheme – this entitles you to a 25% discount on every hire compared with the normal hire charges.
If you would like to discuss room hire please get in touch – phone 01388 602610 and ask to speak to Chris (Monday – Friday, 9-4.30).
Contact Details
Web: Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Telephone: 01388 602610
Address:
Market Place
Bishop Auckland
DL14 7NP
Map: Click here for a map to find this location
