High Wycombe Guildhall

A medieval guildhall once stood in the High Street and was retained until at least the mid 17th century after a more modern structure was built in a slightly different location in 1604. After the 17th century guildhall was burnt down in a fire in the mid-18th century, a new guildhall, which was designed by Henry Keene in the neo-classical style, was built at the expense of the Earl of Shelburne, a local member of parliament, in 1757. and a smaller room, now known as the Shelburne Room. In 1830, during a debate on the Swing Riots, a scene of public disorder broke out when the councillors started fighting with each other. The council was incorporated under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835,…