Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is a neoclassical town hall standing at Market Place in Whitby, featuring an open ground level with supporting columns and tall sash windows across the facade. An octagonal arcaded bell tower sits atop the building and can be seen from throughout the town.

The building was designed by architect Jonathan Pickernell and completed in 1788, funded by local benefactor Nathaniel Cholmley. Its classical design with Doric columns reflected the refined architectural tastes of the late 18th century.

The ground floor once served as a public market where townspeople came to buy and sell goods daily. This split design, with commerce below and administration above, shows how the building shaped the everyday rhythm of Whitby.

The hall sits at the corner of Church Street and Market Place in central Whitby and is easily reached on foot. It is surrounded by other heritage buildings that together form a paved, pedestrian-friendly area to explore.

The top of the bell tower is crowned with a gilded fish that swivels like a weather vane to show wind direction. An oval plaque on the north side displays the construction year and the Cholmley family shield.

Location: Whitby

GPS coordinates: 54.48790,-0.61215

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44