Monument record WBG 009 - Shire Hall, Market Hill

Shire Hall. Given by Thos Seckford and built, it is said, circa 1575. Red brick, originally had open ground floor - the arches and windows are clearly C19.
"Mr Scarfe thought bulk of present structure - that part of English - bond, redbrick two storeyed building formed by freestone quoins - was brickwork of Seckford's day; clearly contemporary with his arms in stone work over first floor west entrance - doorway. Filled in round-headed arches in north and south walls indicated ground floor Elizabethan open market. Flamboyant curved gables, more elegant Flemish-bonded brickwork band round top of top storey and splendid double stairway at east front looked like work of circa 1700: no documentary evidence known." (S3) (precis).
A brick building of two stories, the lower originally being open. Founded circa 1575 by Sir Thomas Seckford, a local benefactor, perhaps reconstructed in C17th and much altered 1803. Brickwork flemish bond throughout and style advanced. At either end is a door to each floor with external stairs to upper floor; ornamental features are original. On the sides blind arches with circular depressions above alternate with windows. Present roof and courtroom occupying upper floor date from 1803 but most of outer walling is circa 1680 (S4).
1991: Said to be maintained. Listed Grade I. Used by Town Council and Suffolk Horse Society. Recently re-decorated (S5).
1996: De-scheduled (S4).