Exmouth Town Hall stands proudly on St Andrews Road in Exmouth, Devon, embodying a rich history and serving as a vital hub for the local community. This municipal building, with its distinctive architectural features, not only functions as the meeting place of Exmouth Town Council but also houses some staff from the East Devon District Council. The Town Hall is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the town’s growth and development over the centuries.
The origins of Exmouth Town Hall can be traced back to the mid-19th century. With the town experiencing significant population growth due to its popularity as a seaside resort, a local board was appointed in 1850. By the early 1870s, the town underwent substantial changes, with courtyards and tenements being cleared to make way for terrace buildings on Rolle Street. It was here that the local board established its offices in a three-storey terrace building.
As the town continued to expand, the need for more substantial offices became evident. In 1894, the local board was replaced by an urban district council, which soon began searching for a more fitting location for its operations. By 1930, the council had moved to a large Victorian house known as St Bernards on St Andrews Road. However, this was not the end of the journey for Exmouth Town Hall.
In the late 1950s, the council decided to redevelop the site, replacing the old Victorian house with a modern structure. This new building, which retained some elements of the original design such as the bi-partite Italianate windows, was completed around 1960. The design featured an asymmetrical main frontage of eight bays facing St Andrews Road, with a Châteauesque-style roof and attic windows adding a touch of grandeur to the structure.
The architectural design of Exmouth Town Hall is both unique and captivating. The building's façade is divided into two sections, with the left-hand section of two bays projected forward in relation to the right-hand section of six bays. The first bay, which is further projected forward, boasts a prominent bay window with pilasters and keystones on the ground floor. The second bay is adorned with a bi-partite square-headed window, maintaining the Italianate style.
The right-hand section of the building features a doorway with an architrave, flanked by casement windows and protected by a semi-circular canopy supported by columns. The other bays in this section are fenestrated by casement windows, contributing to the building's symmetrical appearance. Internally, the principal room of interest is the council chamber, where important meetings and decisions are made.
Scavenger hunts in Exmouth
Discover Exmouth with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Exmouth with your team!
In 1974, the building ceased to be the local seat of government when the enlarged East Devon District Council was formed in Sidmouth. Despite this change, Exmouth Town Hall continued to play a crucial role in the community. It became the offices and meeting place of Exmouth Town Council, which rented space in the building from its owners, East Devon District Council. A plaque commemorating the life of Sub-lieutenant Reginald Warneford, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for air-bombing a Zeppelin during the First World War, was added to the wall of the town hall in 1999, further cementing its historical significance.
In 2009, local residents proposed that the town hall be added to the National Heritage List for England. Although the bid was unsuccessful, it highlighted the building's importance to the community. In October 2017, an extensive programme of refurbishment works was completed, enabling East Devon District Council to relocate some of its staff from Sidmouth into the town hall. These renovations ensured that the building remained functional and preserved its historical charm.
Today, Exmouth Town Hall continues to serve as a vital part of the town's infrastructure. It is not just a place where administrative work is carried out; it is a living monument to the town's history and growth. Visitors to Exmouth can appreciate the building's architectural beauty and its significance in the town's development. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the local governance, Exmouth Town Hall offers a glimpse into the past while continuing to play an essential role in the present.
In conclusion, Exmouth Town Hall is more than just a municipal building. It is a testament to the town's resilience and adaptability, reflecting its journey from a small seaside resort to a thriving community. Its architectural features and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Exmouth, offering a unique insight into the town's rich heritage.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.