| Date | 7 September 2012 |
|---|---|
| Source | Slough Observer |
| Reference | VP-0038 |
| Volume | Views of the Past |
| Collection | Views of the Past |
Transcript
The myths are dispelled
Email Elias with feedback and your memories on observernews@berksmedia.co.uk
THIS weekend I got married at the historic Windsor Guildhall and bearing this in mind, I thought it would be interesting to look at the early history of the building and dispel some of the rumours.
There are many sources which cite that The Guildhall was built by Sir Christopher Wren, however, sadly, these stories only date from the mid-19th century and do not have earlier foundations. So how can these stories be dispelled historically? If one looks at the early history of The Guildhall it is quite easy to see how Sir Christopher Wren’s name has become associated with the building.
Windsor’s first Guildhall was built in 1350 – and was demolished in 1724 – near to the Henry VIII Gateway of Windsor Castle, which was where the corporation met until the completion of the present Guildhall in 1689 when the old Guildhall was vacated.
The new Guildhall was designed and superintended by Sir Thomas Fitch who started work in 1687.
Fitch died the same year and work was continued after his death.
A note in the Hall Book, which recorded the minutes of the Corporation of Windsor, mentions Wren but no definite connection with the Guildhall can be determined as the most important part is illegible.
This minute is how it has been assumed incorrectly that Sir Christopher Wren completed the building. Sir Christopher Wren was Charles II’s King’s Master Mason at the time, so he may have played a minor inspection role.
The building was extended between 1828 – 1829 by James Thomas Bedborough and Robert Tebbott. The building was doubled in size, and a sweeping double staircase was added.
Historic engravings and paintings do not show any columns in the Corn Market until after the work by Bedborough and Tebbott was completed – this would suggest that the columns were purely decorative and part of the 1830 works to the building and had nothing to do with Wren (or indeed the 17th century phase of this building).
Hopefully this will help to dispel these rumours and the true history of the building can be established.
LOOKING BACK: Windsor Guildhall showing the 1830 additions by Thomas Bedborough and Robert Tebbott (Royal Borough Civic Collection), above and left, Sir Thomas Fitch, architect and builder of The Guildhall.
Images
