Hemel Hempstead Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, dates to the early 1850s and has a rich history. It dominates the west side of Hemel’s High Street and, more than any other building, reveals the political, economic and social aspirations of the people who once lived here.
It replaced the Jacobean Market House which was built sometime during the 17th century, which was itself a direct result of the Charter granted by Henry VIII in 1539.
The ‘new’ building was designed by George Low in the Jacobean style, built with red brick and stone dressings. The design involved a symmetrical main frontage with five bays facing onto the High Street; the middle bay featured a portico with Corinthian order columns supporting a balcony and a bay window on the first floor with a gable above.
The use of The Old Town Hall has changed over the years. It originally served as the administrative centre for the town, with a corn market held in the lower portion of the building and corn exchange in the hall. The annual wool fair was held in the Town Hall. The Butchers’ Shambles sat adjacent to the Town Hall and the town’s weekly plait market and annual mop (jobs) fairs were held in the market square.
There's more to the Old Town Hall, so join this tour - you won't be disappointed!

Timings & Tours

Thursday 18 September:

12.30pm and 2.30pm

Location & directions

High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3AE

Directions:

The Old Town Hall is in the High Street (Old Town), along the side of Gadebridge Park and close to St Mary's Church. For sat nav information the postcode is HP1 3AE. There is ample car parking near The Old Town Hall, the closest being: High Street Car Park (76 High St, HP1 3AQ) or Gadebridge Car Park (Free) (Gadebridge Lane/Leighton Buzzard Rd, HP1 1LS)

Contact on day:

The Old Town Hall

Telephone number:

+441442228091

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

There are two tours on Thursday 18 September; starting at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Each tour will last approximately 1 hour. Booking is via The Old Town Hall: https://oldtownhall.co.uk/events/theatre-tour#dates-and-times

Booking contact name:

Stuart Fairthorne

Booking telephone number:

+441442228091

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://oldtownhall.co.uk/events/theatre-tour

Alternative booking website:

https://oldtownhall.co.uk/events/theatre-tour#dates-and-times

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

16 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please see The Old Town Hall website for more information. Thank you. https://oldtownhall.co.uk/

Additional information

We hope you enjoy your tour!

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results