Ipswich Town Hall

Ipswich Town Hall is a town hall in Ipswich, in the county of Suffolk, England.  It was constructed in 1878 at a cost of £16,000 and opened by  Mr John Patterson Cobbold, the mayor of Ipswich at the time.  The Town Hall and the adjoining Corn Exchange was created in a typical, grand Victorian architecture style.  It was designed by the Lincoln firm of architects Bellamy and Hardy.  The Town Hall and Corn Exchange now consist of 2 art galleries as well as a theatre.  The venue has also hosted the political debate program Question Time. 

Design
Built in 1878, the building is built in a grand Victorian style with 3 figure heads of King Richard I, Cardinal Wolsey and King John decorates the front wall.  King Richard I promised the town its first charter but died before it was granted, King John granted the town's charter and Cardinal Wolsey was the most famous person in Ipswich.  Sitting above the figure heads are 4 statues representing Commerce, Agriculture, Law and Order and Justice.  Placed on the smaller tower sits an open stone work lantern.  The tower originally housed an illuminated four-dial turret striking clock designed by the makers of the Big Ben, Dent, 61 Strand.  John Warner & Sons of the Crescent Foundry London, cast the bell that sits in the tower that was made in 1867.  Recently the Victorian Society gave the Town Hall and Corn Exchange a Grade 2 listing. 

Interior
Functions of the Town Hall upon opening:
Council Chamber
Quarter Sessions Court
Library
Committee and retiring rooms
Grand and Petty Juries Rooms
A room for the Magistrates' business
The Basement includes:
Police Station with seven cells and a parade area
Kitchen to service the function rooms above
Offices for Council servants
Space for the Corporation fire engine and hose to be kept

Now the building consists of:
1 Theater
Licensed bar
2 art galleries
Coffee shop

References 

Category:Buildings and structures in Ipswich
Category:1878 establishments in England
Category:Grade II listed buildings in Ipswich
Category:City and town halls in England
Category:Buildings and structures in Suffolk