Old Aberdeen Town House, High Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Category A listed town hall in Old Aberdeen, Scotland
The Old Aberdeen Town House stands at the top of High Street with a symmetrical granite facade that is three bays wide and features a central clock tower with faces pointing in all directions. The building was constructed in a classical style that reflects 18th-century design principles.
The current structure replaced an earlier building from 1642 where the burgh council had previously held meetings in a room above St Machar's Cathedral. The relocation to this new site on High Street marked a significant shift in how the town organized its administrative functions.
The building displays a preserved coat of arms above its door that reflects Aberdeen's status as an important administrative center. The rooms inside tell the story of the different roles this structure played in the community throughout its existence.
Access to the building may be limited since the University of Aberdeen acquired it in 2001 and uses it primarily for university purposes. Visitors should check ahead of time as not all areas are open to the public.
The ground floor originally contained prison cells where detainees were held before trial. These dark spaces beneath the grand administrative building reveal the harsh side of justice that took place within its walls.
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