Old Town Hall, Ottery St Mary, Devon

 

On a visit to Ottery with a friend in July 2013, I had a spare half hour to have a quick look around this part of the town with my camera. There are several lovely old buildings, many of them listed, and I managed to take photos of three of them including this one. This one isn't listed but it does have a blue plaque and some interesting history, along with some rather nice mixed architecture.

Now the public library on the top floor with the ground floor comprising the Tourist Information Office and the Ottery Gazette newspaper, it was originally built as the Town Hall in 1859. The site, which is called The Flexton, became the market place in 1226 by Royal Charter, and the land for the Town Hall was leased from the Lord of the Manor, Sir John Kennaway of Escot.

Built in the Victorian Gothic style, there are plenty of interesting features, including the wrought iron barred doors and the head stops at the end of the hood moulds above the door arches. The photo above left is of the library door with a view over the market place. The above right photo shows one of the head stops whereas below is the other head, with an ogee window to the right...between which is a slightly more modern wrought iron bracket! ;)

In 1894 the hall was used as chambers by the newly formed Ottery St Mary Urban District Council. The police station and magistrate's court were also housed in the building. The lease was given to the town in 1958 and the new public library was installed in 1965.

Part of the ground floor, above, now the Ottery Gazette offices. Below shows the detail of another head stop. I rather like head stops. :)

On the south side is this gorgeous arcade making great use of the wonderful red brick facade and above the arches.

Below is a view of the north east corner. It's not too clear, as my camera was facing the full sun, but you can just about make out the partial exterior chimney stack on the east side.

 A close-up showing some of the details.

One of the things that makes it delightfully quirky are the several different styles of windows. Those on the gabled facade of the East side are more in keeping with the decorated church style - tall and elegant with traceries, below - whereas others are a mixture of Tudor and Gothic.
 

And finally, the front steps, showing the delightfully decorative quoins on the outer wall to the steps and the blue plaque on the building above. The plants growing on the wall are called Ivy Leafed Bell Flower. A big name for a tiny plant!

And a few more photos. :)