Town Hall, Grade II listed town hall in The Square, Retford, England
The Town Hall is a red brick building featuring stone decorations, a symmetrical frontage with five bays, paired Ionic columns, round-headed windows, and a prominent clock tower. Its classical design creates a dignified appearance with clear architectural proportions throughout.
The current building was completed in 1868 and replaced earlier structures dating back to 1388, including a civic hall destroyed by fire in 1528. This transition from older to newer facilities marked an important change in how the town conducted its affairs.
Inside, you can see portraits of Queen Victoria and Colonel Whittaker displayed on the walls, showing connections to local leadership and community identity. These paintings reflect the importance of notable figures in the town's story.
The building continues to serve as a meeting venue for the district council and hosts various community events and ceremonies throughout the year. Access may vary depending on what activities are scheduled on your visit.
A time capsule was placed beneath the foundation stone during construction in June 1866, and the clock from the previous town hall was transferred to the new building. This connection between old and new shows how the town preserved its past while moving forward.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
