In the mid-18th century the double doorway to the building became the access for a horse-drawn fire engine. A clock was added at the base of the belfry in 1882 but the borough council, which had met in the town hall, was abolished under the Municipal Corporations Act 1883. The building was substantially remodelled, with a new porch installed at the east end of the building as part of the celebrations for Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, in 1897. It was officially re-opened by the Earl of Gainsborough in 1898.
