The building, which dates back to 1320, was acquired from a householder, Edward Mynskyp, for use as a meeting place by the town officials in 1501. It was remodelled internally by William Middleton in 1762. It was remodelled again, both internally and externally in 1832, when the original arched entrance was removed and a large portico with four Doric order columns and a pediment above, designed by Charles Mountain the Younger, was installed on the front of the building.
