By Chris Green
This book charts the history of St Albans iconic old town hall. The author has drawn on his extensive knowledge and experience to write this definitive, fully illustrated guide to its history and use over almost 200 years. Original plans for the neo-classical building by architect George Smith are included in the book.
The old town hall originally served as a place of local justice, with the local seat of government occupying just one large room. In 1851 the Bribery Commission held court in the building to investigate the ‘cash for votes’ scandal that resulted in the Borough of St Albans losing its parliamentary representation.
During his time as the director of St Albans Museums, the author, Chris Green, worked in the old town hall and over the years has studied almost every inch of the building. The text is accompanied by many illustrations of the town hall and related buildings along with the author’s own isometric reconstructions of George Smith’s designs, schematic views of the building, drawings and photographs of architectural features and detailed floor plans showing the official uses and status of rooms. There are also some delightful sketches and cartoons by local artist J. H. Buckingham.
Additional information
Author: Chris Green
SAHAAS, September 2017
A4 landscape, paperback, 48pp, fully illustrated
Price: £6.99 (£8.99 by post UK), members’ price: £6.00
ISBN 978-0-901194-20-6.
Available from: our online Bookshop and at Waterstones St Peter’s Street, St Albans Museums bookshops, the Cathedral Gift Shop, and HALS bookshop
For further information please contact the SAHAAS Publications Team by email at publications@stalbanshistory.org.
