Restoration continues on 'eccentric' old Town Hall

The town council describes the old town hall, The Pepperpot, as a "proud" and "slightly eccentric" building

Critical £316,000 structural repairs are under way for one of Godalming's most cherished landmarks, says the town council.

The council said the former town hall, The Pepperpot, will have its historic clock restored, as well as repairs to the arches, brickwork and render while the dome, barrel and support columns have been removed for "specialist treatment".

It said The Pepperpot was a "declaration of the town's independence" with its "sturdy and slightly eccentric" look.

"Completing these works will not only preserve an iconic piece of Godalming's architectural heritage, but it will also protect future taxpayers from inheriting a far greater liability," said council leader Paul Follows.

'Cheap but characterful'

The Pepperpot is a Grade II listed building built in 1814, costing just £865, six shillings and eight pence at the time - roughly equivalent to £60,000 today, according to the town council.

Godalming Town Council described the building as a "proud little town hall, cheap but characterful" which "stands tall in the centre of town".

Over the years, the building served as a council chamber, a court, a prison, public toilet, florist and the first home of the Godalming Museum.

In 2023, it hosted the local proclamation of the ascent of King Charles III.

The restoration started in April following inspections in early 2025 which revealed serious underlying structural issues.

The council said all windows had been restored and the ceiling would be reconstructed using a finish approved by the appropriate authority.