Haddington, Court Street, Town House

Haddington Town House is a two-story stone structure with an arcaded ground floor, council chambers, and a prominent steeple rising above Court Street. Today it continues to serve as the seat of East Lothian Council, maintaining its role as the administrative center of the town.

William Adam designed this building in 1748, replacing a medieval tolbooth that had served as the municipal center since the 15th century. This replaced an earlier structure that had stood for hundreds of years before its redesign in the Georgian style.

The building's bell rings at 7am and 10pm daily, a rhythm that has shaped the daily routine of residents for centuries. These regular chimes continue to mark time for the community in a way that feels both practical and deeply rooted in local tradition.

The building is located on Court Street and is easy to spot with its distinctive steeple and arcaded ground floor. While it primarily functions as an administrative center, it may occasionally host public events or exhibitions that visitors can attend during regular hours.

A plaque inside the building commemorates the hospitality given to Polish mounted troops during World War II in 1942. This small memorial tells a story of international connection during wartime that few visitors notice.

Location: East Lothian

Location: Haddington

Inception: 1748

GPS coordinates: 55.95560,-2.77870

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45