The Guildhall in Poole is such a staple of the old town that many will barely give it a second glance. But even some locals may not know some of its history, including a farmer, a murder, whipping and having a bath!
Built in 1761 on what is now a quiet street called Market street, this was once the centre and sometimes the busiest part of town. As the road name suggest this was once the site of bustling markets in front of the Guildhall, you could find many a merchant and customer shouting and haggling over goods. And then on Election day the street would turn into a free for all carnival of processions, bands, speeches from candidates and also a heckling, fighting public! Hard to imagine as you walk along that street now, hardly seeing another person or hearing a sound.
The Upper chamber was the courtroom which heard many dramas and cases. Punishments dished out included public whipping on the quay and even transportation overseas!
On 21st May 1886, it was the site of a bloody murder! As councillor Horatio Hamilton who was in charge of licensing and admin around boat ownership, was leaving a meeting at the guildhall, he was approached by John King who shot him three times in the head and neck and he died of his injuries. One of the bullets hit the Guildhall and the bodge job to patch up the damage can still be seen on the outside of the building just above the road sign. This can be seen 4 bricks up above the R and K of the ‘Market Street’ road sign! The reason for murder? Hamilton was causing a lot of paperwork and obstacles for King who simply wanted to take over ownership of his fathers boat. No petitions and strongly worded letters in those days! Sentenced to death by hanging, his sentence was eventually reduced due to public sympathy.
Since then the Guildhall has changed a lot in purpose. In the early 19th century the town was bought to bankruptcy by political fighting. The guildhall was then seized by a town clerk and let to a farmer for £50 a year!
The ground floor was in the 20th century used as a bathhouse by dirty locals who needed a clean but had no bathing facilities at home, but this was closed in the 1960’s.
In the war it was also a convenient meeting spot for American soldiers.
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