Town Task Force - Tour of Town Hall

On Monday 18th November the Town Task Force had the rare opportunity of a guided tour of the newly refurbished Town Hall in Torrington by Anne Tattersall of the Town Council. They were very excited to learn so many exciting stories about the history of the town.

They learnt that in 1645, months before the Battle of Great Torrington, a mutineer Henry Boose was hanged in the pillory outside the Town Hall and his body was left there for people to look at.

They also found out that that once there was a jail underneath the Town Hall where convicted prisoners were held, often in stocks. After the Battle the chaplain of St Michael's Church preached to the locals from the balcony because the church had been severely destroyed. After that the Town Hall was used as Civic building where prisoners were held and civic decisions were made.

The Town Task Force was also able to ask questions and admire the vast collection of antique artwork inside the Town Hall. They had such an inspiring afternoon. Thanks to Anne Tattersall for the invitation.

Here's what the children had to say:

"I didn't know there was a huge Corn Market in Torrington and that corn was sold here to all areas of Devon" - Josh A
"I enjoyed looking at so many amazing paintings of people from Torrington" - Effie A
"It is a beautiful building filled with history from long ago!" Arabella K
"I really enjoyed learning new things about the Town" Lola S
"It was interesting to know some stories of things that happened long ago in Torrington" - Allannah M