A Civic Society for Romsey, Hampshire UK and surrounding villages

Newspaper copy

A handsome and capacious public building, for a Townhall and County Court, has recently been erected at Romsey, in Hampshire.

The design of building a new Townhall originated three years ago, in the mayoralty of Mr, Lordan, and it was at first intended to be connected with a Corn Exchange; but a separate Exchange was subsequently determined on, which was therefore built, and opened in December 1864, by Lord Palmerston – his Lordship’s last appearance at public meetings in Romsey. In the progress of both these buildings Lord Palmerston took a strong personal interest, and helped them with a liberal hand.

The Townhall, of which we give an engraving, was completed and opened in October last. It has cost about £4300 and is a model in the completeness of its accommodation. Besides municipal and County Court offices, it contains a public newsroom, societies’ rooms, library and savings bank; and its architectural appearance is an ornament to the town. The building, the front of which is in the Italian style, consists, on the ground floor, of a council chamber, or magistrate’s room, two reading rooms’ library, county court offices, with judges, jury and witnesses’ rooms; and above these are the registrar’s room and the living apartments for the attendants.

The Townhall, which is on the second floor, is 62ft. long, 34 ft. wide and 22 ft. high. It is lighted by day with a series of plate-glass windows, the three in the principal front having their keystones and the brackets under the sill richly carved. This front, which is faced externally with red brick, is divided into three bays, with arches connecting the same. The dressings of the building are of Bath Stone. Over the principal entrance the keystone is carved with the town’s Arms of Romsey, and the initials “G. L. L. Mayor, 1866.”

The entrance to the County Court is in Bell Street, and access is also obtainable through the entrance to the magistrates’ room. From the ceiling of the Townhall, which is panelled and ornamented by mouldings, are suspended a series of gas starlights, the central decorations forming part of the system of ventilation, to which great attention has been paid throughout the building.

Mr Bedborough of Southampton is the architect and Mr Dalimore of Fareham the builder.