Guildhall's 600-year history published in new book

Left to right: Roger Kennell, Sally Looker, Margaret Woods, Sue Monks (Hadleigh mayor), Jan McNelly, Sue Angland, Jan Byrne (Hadleigh Society president) and Mark Lawrence who co-wrote the new Hadleigh Guildhall book

A group of local historians has collated a town hall's 600 year history into a new book.

Seven members of the Hadleigh Society History Group worked over several years to research into the Hadleigh Guildhall in Suffolk which was built in 1449.

Over its history the building has been used as a market hall, grammar school, a corset factory and more.

Sue Angland, 73, one of the authors of the book titled A History of the Guildhall, Hadleigh, Suffolk, said the group never intended to write the book.

"It was never our intention," Mrs Angland, who is also chairperson of the group, said.

"But we realised there had never been full research done on Hadleigh Guildhall which is 600 years old.

"It's mentioned in other books on Hadleigh but there's never been a complete collection of research done on its history.

"So that was our project."

The Hadleigh Guildhall has had numerous functions over its history including as a courthouse

The team of seven who worked on the book first worked on a timeline to document the building's 600 year history.

The timeline began in 1374 prior to the construction of the building up to the present day.

Once it was complete, it was presented to the whole Hadleigh Society group before a member suggested the findings were turned into a book.

Mrs Angland explained it took fours year into total to create the timeline and turn it into the book with Covid slightly delaying their work.

"It is special because it's never been written before like this," she said.

"The building was given to the people of Hadleigh 600 years ago, it was a gift from the Lord of the Manor.

"It's always been used for that purpose - it's a community building and the people of Hadleigh have used it its whole life."

The book has been officially launched by the history group and includes six chapters on the Guildhall's history

Other uses for the building over its history have included a workhouse, house of correction, a hospital and a fire engine store.

When asked what her favourite piece of the Guildhall's history that had been uncovered, Mrs Angland said: "The fact that it was such an important part of the community.

"I've quoted this from one of the experts - decisions which would shape Hadleigh's history were made within its walls.

"I think that sums it up completely. It's very much a community building."

Mrs Angland said the group was very proud to have published the book which was officially launched on 2 November.