The
Shire Hall stands at the centre of old Woodbridge, in the middle
of Market Hill, and has been the the focal point of the town
for over 400 years.
The Shire Hall was built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford, Master of the court of Requests to Queen Elizabeth I.
The architecture has been altered over time, with changing fashions and uses:
- Flemish gabling was added in the 17th century.
- Steps and railings were added later.
- Open archways were bricked up in the 1800s.
- Woodbridge Town Council purchased the Shire Hall in 1984.
- It once housed the Magistrates' Court.
- In 2004 an expensive renovation of the building was completed.