Liverpool Town Hall

Liverpool Town Hall stands in High Street where Dale Street, Castle Street and Water Street meet. The building is a Grade I listed structure and one of the finest 18th-century town halls still standing. It was designed by John Wood the Elder and completed in 1754, replacing an earlier hall nearby. A north extension by James Wyatt followed in 1785, and after a fire in 1795 the hall was rebuilt with Wyatt’s new dome. The surrounding streets have changed since the hall’s construction, altering views from Castle Street. The town hall is not an administrative centre but a civic suite, lord mayor’s parlour and council chamber. Its ground floor holds the council chamber and a Hall of Remembrance for First World War servicemen. The upper floor contains lavishly decorated rooms used for events and functions. Public tours are arranged, and the hall is licensed for weddings. The building has witnessed notable moments, including the surrender of the CSS Shenandoah in 1865. Visitors find a grand stone building with a slate roof and lead dome. The south front on Castle Street has a portico with Corinthian columns and a balcony above. The dome sits on a high drum supported by columns, with four clock faces at its base. Inside, the council chamber and Hall of Remembrance occupy the ground floor. The upper rooms feature elaborate decoration and are used for civic and private occasions. Statues and carved panels reflect Liverpool’s history and trade.