The Guildhall is a Quality II Listed Structure in the centre of the town that goes back to 1837 as well as was formerly the Corn Exchange. It is positioned on the site of previous municipal buildings as well as a market from the late 18th century. Much work has actually been done with significant renovations beginning in 1998 as well as being completed and reopened in 2003 with economic help from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The intent of the redevelopment job was to make certain the structure has long-term sustainability as an area source along with to handle this historic possession in one of the most suitable manner.
The Guildhall facility is made use of largely as a community structure for a vast array of activities as well as in 2009 it came to be the base for Chard Community Council. It is an essential civic building and houses the Mayor’s Parlour and also Community Council workplaces.
Chard is a historic market town snuggled within the glorious countryside of South Somerset, close to the Devon as well as Dorset boundaries.
Chard is the 2nd biggest town in South Somerset with a populace of approximately 14,000. At 121 metres (397ft) above sea level it is both the southernmost and one of the highest situated communities in Somerset.
People have been residing in the Chard area since primitive times and villas nearby at Tatworth and Wadeford show that Romans lived here as well, yet the very first composed mention of the town was in 1065 simply before the Norman intrusion. A little over twenty years later on the Doomsday Publication videotaped details of the negotiation which was then a huge, though not abundant, manor.
In the middle of the 13th century the lord of the manor, the Bishop of Wells, created a charter establishing a brand-new district of Chard. The site of the initial town, now known as Old Town, was near St Mary’s Church yet the brand-new district was developed a little distance away on just what is currently the A30.
Like lots of towns in England, Chard came to be carefully involved in the wool trade. The rise of the woollen trade in the north of England badly impacted the market in Chard yet in 1819 the manufacture of lace arrived. Soon there were mills around Chard generating bobbin lace net which was exported worldwide.
The industry continued throughout the remainder of the 19th century as well as right into the middle of the 20th century when the last mill in the town ultimately shut, although net is still made in one of the close-by villages. A prospering design market matured together with the shoelace mills and also several of the firms which established from this are still operating in Chard today.
You can uncover a lot more about our town’s history in Chard Museum located in Godworthy House, High Road, Chard or by checking out the Local Information Centre at The Guildhall.
Chard is easy to find, positioned on the primary London– Exeter route, so why not stop off at one of the Cafes, Pubs or Restaurants, visit the Antiques, Vintage, Collectables & Craft Market or relax by Chard Reservoir– just a few of the things Chard has to offer.
The Guildhall
Fore Street,
Chard,
Somerset
TA20 1PP,
01460 260051
http://www.chard.gov.uk/
https://goo.gl/maps/sSxSdkifb5K2
