| The Shire Hall, Howden, is situated in the centre of town in the Market Place. The building dominates the commercial buildings around it and represents the Victorian town's hopes of regaining some of its former prosperity. The red brick building with stone details and fishscale tile roof is reminiscent of Low Countries Gothic market or municipal buildings with its decorative brickwork, large mullioned and transomed windows, pair of entrance arches, stone balcony, stepped gable and clock tower. The niche, which held the statue of the medieval chronicler Roger de Hovenden, is now empty. The foundation stone of this building, originally known as the Market Hall, was laid in July 1871 and the work was completed in October 1872. The architects were Hadfield and Sons of Sheffield. The building consisted of a covered market area and two shops on the ground floor with a public hall above capable of seating 500 people. In 1942 the Hall passed from private ownership and was bequeathed to the Townspeople of Howden. A public Trust was formed to administer the building. The Hall is still operated by a trust and is a registered charity. The Hall holds a weekly market on Fridays, and is used on a regular basis by community groups for drama classes, yoga, karate, line dancing, aerobics, keep fit and a youth cafe. Howdenshire Live Arts use the building to promote live entertainment in the Town throughout the year. This includes travelling theatre groups presenting their plays, all types of live musical groups and artists workshops, all on a regular basis. Author: John Bilton | |
| Contact information: | |
| Address: | The Shire Hall Trust, Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 7BJ |
| Telephone: | 01430 432510 |