It’s great to visit a vibrant Northamptonshire town, as full of life today as it has been for two thousand years. It’s been settled since Roman times, and gained its name from a Saxon lord, Bracca. I’ve come to see a fine statement of civic pride, the newly restored Town Hall of Brackley, South Northamptonshire.

Brackley’s long history is typical of a prosperous English town. The Magna Carta was first drafted here, and early prosperity based on the wool trade allowed the construction of many fine buildings, churches, schools, almshouses and a hospital which give Brackley much of its character today. The splendid Town Hall was begun over 300 years ago in 1704. It was paid for by the 1st Duke of Bridgewater, Scroop Egerton, and sold to the town for one shilling (Scroop was hoping to be elected as MP) It was to be built with the beautiful blonde stone quarried locally at Helmdon, four bays long, two storeys high, with an attic and an impressive clock tower.

The ground floor of the Town Hall was originally openair, and used as a market for wool, lace, and later as a corn exchange. The upper room was used as a court, and for council meetings, elections, and community gatherings. Later a constable’s room and a lock up for Brackley’s miscreants was added. It clearly proved a useful asset to the town, as in 1880’s it was renovated and extended, again paid for by the the benevolent Bridgewater family.

By the new millennium, the Town Hall was showing its age. A feasibility study in 2012 showed what potential the place had, and how it might be restored. Funding was secured, £2.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £500k each from Brackley Town Council and South Northants Council, and the Town Hall closed for restoration in 2016.

Now, the work is complete. Virtually nothing has been left untouched, and there are some wonderful additions. My favourite is the stained glass. Local groups submitted designs representing Brackley life which were translated into stained glass by local artist Rachel Aldridge. They have been incorporated into the main hall windows where they glow beautifully. Other details include the pierced metal balustrade for the new lift, designed to replicate the delicate patterns of the lace once sold here. The attic has been converted into a luxury holiday let, which will bring useful income, whilst providing a stay with the best address in town. Soon to be licensed for weddings, the glamorous main hall is available for hire. It can seat eighty diners, and a hundred theatre style.

Come and explore the changes for yourself! It is being opened officially by the Duke of Gloucester, and then it will be open to everyone on Heritage Open Days 14th, 15th, 16th September 2018.

Linda Carter, Brackley’s Town Clerk, says ‘this place is over 300 years old, and the work we have done here will ensure that it is good for another 300 years.’ To me, that sounds like a great investment!

For more information visit www.brackleytownhall.org.uk