Whitby’s Old Town Hall and Marketplace have a rich and storied past, significantly shaping the town’s identity.
Walking past Whitby’s town hall and marketplace, it’s easy to imagine the countless individuals who have been here before you. Let’s look at the fascinating history of Whitby town hall and marketplace.
Whitby’s Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall in Whitby is located on Church Street. It was funded by the local lord of the manor, Nathaniel Cholmley, and designed and constructed in the neoclassical style by the architect Jonathan Pickernell. Pickernell also built the two inner piers in Whitby Harbour between 1781 and 1812.
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The town hall was constructed alongside the establishment of the new marketplace. This was to replace the previous market on the west side of the River Esk at the bridge’s western end.
The town hall has dimensions of 11 yards (10 m) in length and 9 yards (8.2 m) in width. It was equipped with a clock at the town’s expense, although the building was privately funded. Additionally, the clock tower houses a bell, traditionally rung, to commence court proceedings.
The Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society held its inaugural meeting at the Old Town Hall in September 1823. The society was established to support the exhibition of local fossils and provide financial backing. Today, the Whitby Museum is located in Pannett Park.
The building features an open ground floor, and the upper floor is supported by Tuscan columns. This allows the undercroft to be utilised for market trading. The upper floor, accessible via a central spiral staircase, served as the meeting place for the Court Leet of Whitby, the Court of Pleas, and the Court of Piepowder.
Outside the building, individuals found guilty would sometimes be required to occupy the stocks. The upper floor features arches with pedimented Venetian windows.
The building received listed status in 1954 and underwent renovation in 1987. However, it is susceptible to decay, with some stone falling off the top of one of the columns.
Whitby’s marketplace
Whitby’s marketplace dates back to 1640. The newer marketplace, built by Nathanial Cholmley in 1788, replaced the older one on the town’s west side. The Tollbooth, demolished by Sir Hugh Cholmley during the construction of the newer marketplace, was an essential structure in the potato market.
However, the marketplace also had a grim side. It was also a site for public punishments of vagabonds and thieves.
Records show that two individuals were whipped there on March 3, 1710, and the stocks stood as a reminder of this past on the South side nearest Church Street. Brewster’s Lane, dating back to 1426 A.D., was once part of the old shambles and connected Church Street to Fish Pier but has since been demolished.
The marketplace was also home to two famous public houses, the Jolly Butcher and the Seven Stars. They served as meeting places for Whitby fishermen to divide their catches and negotiate business.
Frank Sutcliffe’s photographs captured the marketplace during its bustling sales of local produce. Today, the marketplace proudly stands with its clock tower, offering a glimpse into the town’s past for tourists. Today, Church Street is considered one of the most scenic parts of Whitby.
The Whitby market today
Today, there is still a traditional market that features an assortment of stalls offering handcrafted silver jewellery, hats, clothing, antiques, art, bakery goods, and even hair-braiding services.
Find further information about what’s on at the market here.
As we look back on the history of the Whitby town hall and marketplace, we are reminded of Whitby’s enduring spirit and the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.
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