Building MPM528 - THE GUILDHALL

Town Hall originally built 1886-1890. The building suffered extensive bomb damage in January 1941 and was reconstructed between 1955 and 1959. Known as the Guildhall from 1926 onwards.

Designed by William Hill of Leeds, the foundation stone to the original Town Hall was laid in 1886, and the building was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales on the 9th August 1890. It became known as the Guildhall when Portsmouth was awarded City status in 1926. The building suffered servere bomb damage on the 10th January 1941, and the interior and rear elevation had to be completely rebuilt. Reconstruction work began in 1955 and the present Guildhall was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th June 1959.

Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.

Gates, William G, 1900, Illustrated History of Portsmouth (Bibliographic reference). SPM299.