Thornbury Town Hall

Step inside Thornbury Town Hall and discover the people who once called it home.

Before becoming the home of Thornbury Town Council, 35 High Street was Thornbury’s police station, courthouse and accommodation for police families for more than 120 years. It wasn’t simply somewhere that policemen came to work — it was where families lived their everyday lives.

Children were born and raised here, wives kept house, widowed relatives moved in, police constables boarded with other families, meals were cooked and family life continued alongside the cells and courtroom. At the same time, the courtroom upstairs dealt with the everyday disputes, offences and problems of Victorian Thornbury.

This Heritage Open Day, explore the stories of some of the families who lived at the Town Hall, from Sergeant David Rawle and his family in 1861 to Sergeant James Vaughan’s large household in 1911. Discover how their lives changed as Thornbury moved from the Victorian era into the 20th century, and how national events and social changes formed the backdrop to their everyday lives.

With help from Thornbury Museum, displays will bring these families to life through census records, historical stories and fascinating glimpses into the work of the officers who lived here. Find out about everything from stolen hay and damaged wheat to Victorian attitudes towards crime and punishment.

Visitors can also see historic drawings showing how the building was laid out as a home, including the living quarters

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000-1400

Location & directions

The Town Hall, 35 High Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, BS35 2AR

Directions:

Thornbury Town Hall is located on Thornbury High Street, and has a black metal fence at the front, and a dark blue wooden front door. We will put up bunting etc to help visitors find us.

Contact on day:

Vicky Bailey

Telephone number:

+441454412103

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is a lift to the 1st floor but steep stairs down into the cellar which may be difficult for some participants.

Additional information

Please do ring us on 01454 412103 if you have any specific queries and we will be happy to help.

Max number of people:

6

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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