Town Hall Histories
The Town Hall Histories project has allowed local volunteers to research and learn about the people associated with Bourne Town Hall through the past 200 years.
Looking at the stories of the individuals who subscribed to the building in 1820, as an early form of crowdfunding, the volunteers have unearthed many interesting stories which will all be available publicly. They have also looked at the court cases heard in the building and found some incredible stories.
Below is a small sample of donor stories that we could tell, keep coming back to find out more!
A Timeline of Bourne Town Hall 1821
1821
Built by public subscription on land donated to the town by the Marquis of Exeter by deed of Gift. Opened in 1821, the building provided for Petty and Quarter Sessions and also for a covered market.
1861
This is the earliest known image of Bourne Town Hall by local engraver and printer William Sang.
1890
Bourne Town Hall became the home of the fire brigade with the horse drawn fire pump housed in the northern arch of the building, with the Shambles eventually providing stables for the horses.
1900
The Town Hall clock dial was updated with a white opal glass face illuminated by gaslight.
“The illuminated dial of the clock gives universal satisfaction”, said the Stamford Mercury. “The new clock is a decided improvement for which the parish councillors may justly claim credit.”
1932
As the Saturday market closed on February the 27th, fire broke out in the clock tower. Although the fire brigade were to hand, the tower was destroyed. Later a new dial was installed on the pediment.
1932-1990
From the 1930s to the 1990s the building remained largely unchanged. The fire brigade relocated in 1946 and the Shambles became a store for the market stalls. In 1974 the courtroom was reduced in size to create a larger waiting area.
1992 - 2018
In 1992 a new extension was added at the rear of the building and the Shambles was converted into office accommodation and a cash office for the District Council. The Magistrates Court ceased operation in 2008 and in 2014 the council relocated to its present location at the Corn Exchange. The building was unoccupied from that time until Bourne Town Hall Trust was formed in 2018.
2018 - 2025
Bourne Town Hall Trust was formed in 2018 to save the town hall building for the people of Bourne. Over the next years, the Trust worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding with the aim of restoring the building for regular use.
Despite a hiatus in the Covid years, the Trust put on many events on the building including live music, talks, craft fairs, film, small theatre, poetry and so much more.
The Trust also worked to find funding and was successful in securing a Development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
2025
In January 2025, Bourne Town Hall Trust was awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund which would allow the restoration of the building and its transformation into a centre of arts, heritage and entertainment.
References and images courtesy of Rex Needle