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Beechworth's first Municipal Council was elected on 20th September 1856 and met in various temporary premises until a set of offices (Council Chambers) was built on the present site in 1857-8, In 1859, a Town Hall was built at the rear of the Council Chambers, and is now the hall portion of the present building. At about the same time, the State Governement required a second Court House because of the pressure of 'business', and the Twon Hall was offered for use in this dual capacity, and accepted. This stage  of the building was completed in December 1860, and began to function in 1861, being then known as the Muncipal Courth House. Three lock-up cells were constructed beneath the building with a communicating stairway to the floor above. The towns fire tanker and fire fighting equipment were also stored below.
In July 1888, it was decided to rebuild the Council Chambers portion of the building and this was completed in July 1889 by contractor T. Sandham, at a cost of 5,000 pounds. The present two story front portion was officiallly opened with a grand ball given by the Shire President Cr. Billson
Walk around the back of the Town Hall to Harry Power's cell. the old cells and stairway may still be seen today and it is interesting to note that between 1863-1870 Harry Power made 7 appearances in the Beechworth Courthouse for crimes such as horse stealing and armed hold-ups. The ornate Judge's chair and other Court Room furniture from the Municipal Court House may be seen in the Burke Museum on Loch Street
The Town Hall is also the home of the Commerative Tappestry for more information visit this link
For Town Hall booking enquiries visit this page or contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre on 1300 366 321
The Town Hall Gardens
Originally a market reserve, the Town Hall Gardens were designed by Richard Jenkyns, (Secretary of the Beechworth Free Public Library and Burke Museum) in 1875. The trees that were planted within the grounds were a gift from Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller, Victorian Government Botanist. The rotunda was built in 1876, the supporting pillars and wrought iron were cast at the local foundry operated by Straughair and Duncun. This rotunda has been the venue for many performances by Beechworth's Bands.
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