STEP INSIDE NEWBURY’S HISTORIC TOWN HALL FOR HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Newbury Town Council is inviting residents and visitors to step inside one of the town’s most iconic landmarks on Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 10am to 2pm, as part of the annual nationwide Heritage Open Days celebration.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic interior of Newbury Town Hall and discover some of the fascinating stories, people and treasures that have helped shape the town over the centuries. Guests will be able to enjoy rare, behind-the-scenes access to the heart of Newbury’s civic life, including the historic Council Chamber, Grand Civic Staircase and the Town Hall’s impressive collection of civic regalia.

Among the highlights are the Mayoral Honours Boards, which record the names of Newbury’s civic leaders dating back to 1596, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history and the people who have played a role in its civic life.

Visitors can also see the Town Hall’s historic ceremonial maces, dating from 1707, during the reign of Queen Anne, and 1758, during the reign of King George II.

The Grand Civic Staircase is home to a remarkable collection of historic portraits, including a portrait of “Jack of Newbury”, dated 1550, as well as portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte.                                         

Another fascinating feature is “The Newbury Coat”, which tells the story of an important part of the town’s industrial heritage.

While Newbury Town Hall regularly welcomes residents for public meetings, civic events and community coffee mornings, many people have never had the opportunity to explore its historic interior. Heritage Open Days provides the perfect chance to discover what lies behind its doors and uncover some of the stories connected to this much-loved building.

Entry is completely free and everyone is welcome.

Looking forward to welcoming visitors, the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jo Day, said, “We are pleased to welcome our community into the Town Hall and give people the opportunity to discover the fascinating history that sits right in the heart of Newbury.

“For many visitors, this may be their first chance to explore the historic rooms, portraits and civic treasures that have played a part in the story of our town. From the origins of our ceremonial maces to the story behind the teazel featured on our civic flag, there is so much to discover. We hope people will come along, take a look inside and perhaps discover something about Newbury’s history that they didn’t know before.”

The impressive Victorian Town Hall, overlooking Market Place, was built between 1876 and 1878, with its distinctive clock tower added three years later in 1881. The Municipal Offices, facing Mansion House Street, were constructed between 1909 and 1910, alongside the Council Chamber, which remains home to the Mayor’s Throne and centuries of Newbury’s civic history.     

Heritage Open Days is an annual celebration of England’s history and heritage, giving communities the opportunity to open the doors of historic buildings and places that are not always accessible to the public.