About the Guildhall
The Guildhall of today is the fourth such building to occupy this position within the City of Salisbury.
The first Guildhall dates back to Tudor times, when it was known as "The Bishop's Guildhall". Then, the building was under the control of the Bishop, from where he excercised his feudal rights of criminal and civil justice.
The "Merchants Guild", which helped to represent early local self-government, was instead housed in "The Semplehouse", which was situated near St. Thomas' Church. However, in 1585 they build themselves a new headquarters called "The Council House", to the north of "The Bishop's Guildhall", near to where the present War Memorial stands.
In1780, "The Council House" was burnt down after a banquet, The second Earl of Radnor, the City Recorder, then made the generous offer or providing a new building at his own expense. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to clear up the situation regarding "The Bishop's Guildhall". This building had fallen into a ruinous condition, with the Bishop unable to afford its upkeep. In 1795, an Act of Parliament was passed, providing for the surrender of the Bishop's rights to the Guildhall, on condition of there being provided a new Council House cum-Guildhall Gaol.
The new "Guildhall" was built practically on the site of the old one. Alterations were made to the building in 1829, which led to the addition of the Grand Jury Room, extensions to the size of the courts and new accommodation for the judges. After that date, other alterations have been made, including extensive internal alterations. Since the Municipal Corporation Act, 1835, the whole building has been under the control of the then City Council, now Salisbury District Council.
