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| The Guildhall from a low angle |
The Guildhall was completed in 1864 and opened on the 17th of May of the same year.
It was designed and built by Edward Godwin of Bristol and has stone carvings around its facade that depict the history and life of Northampton's inhabitants, including the cobblers trade. Fourteen statues stand high above the street under their canopies, one between each first floor window. Many are of Monarchs and famous people who have had close ties with the town. Also represented are the patron saints of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the patron saint of corporations, St Michael, who can also be seen standing on the peak of the gable above the town's coat of arms. The clock tower stands 110ft high, it's sloping roof is finished with a crest of lead.
Princess Diana, was made an honorary Freeman of the Borough in this building in 1989.
A new extension was added to the building in 1992, which is very sympathetic to Godwins work, and a plaque to commemorate Princess Diana has been added to the extension by her brother, Charles Spencer.
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