Chorley Town Hall

Chorley Town Hall is a Victorian municipal building with a symmetrical five-bay front, featuring sash windows and a prominent central entrance topped by a pediment. A clock tower rises above the entrance, anchoring the building's presence on the street.

The building was constructed in 1879 by architects John Ladds and William Henry Powell, replacing an earlier town hall dating to 1802. This reconstruction marked the town's expansion and modernization during the Victorian era.

The Lancastrian Room inside served as the heart of community life, hosting local events and civic gatherings for generations. This space reflects how residents have always thought of the building as their own gathering place.

The building sits on Market Street in the town center and is easy to reach on foot. A glass-roofed atrium added during 2005 renovations improves how visitors move through the interior spaces.

Hidden in the basement is a command center built during the 1980s as a protective shelter for local officials during potential nuclear crises. This concealed space is a reminder of Cold War tensions that once shaped civil planning.

Location: Chorley

GPS coordinates: 53.65400,-2.63320

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21