Mediaeval and Baroque splendour for all to enjoy
The Guildhall was the civic heart of Abingdon-on-Thames in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a complex set of buildings built in stages. At its heart is the mediaeval L‑shaped Hospital of St John which dates from 1100 and which was built by Abingdon Abbey at its historic entrance. The original building now comprises the Old Magistrates’ Court and Roysse Room.
The buildings have been extended and altered over the years and over these years the various rooms of the Guildhall complex have been home to a hospital, almshouses, town gaol, Abingdon (Roysse’s) School (1563), Borough of Abingdon Police station (1836), Fire station, Drill Hall, Court of Assizes and Petty sessions court (1772 – 2000). The Guildhall complex of rooms have been restored to their former glory and are now available for event hire.
You can book a room in the Guildhall using the form here or contact enquiries@abingdon gov.uk.
Roysse Room
Maximum capacity of 90
Ground floor, level access from the street
Size: 15.24m x 4.70m with a step area of 1.80m deep
Council Chamber
Maximum capacity of 100
Located on the first floor with access only possible via stairs
Size: 16.15m x 6.10m
Old Magistrates’ Court
Maximum capacity of 60
Ground floor, up some steps, accessible lift available
Size: 8.9m x 6.2m
Abbey Room
Maximum capacity of 40
Located on the second floor with access only possible via stairs
Size: 9.75m x 4.42m
Bear Room
Maximum capacity of 18
Located on the first floor with access only possible via stairs
Size: 6.70m x 5.48m
Hire charges
| Roysse Room, Council Chamber | Abbey Room, Old Magistrates’ Court, Bear Room | |
| Commercial session rate* | £40.00 | £25.00 |
| Commercial hourly rate | £13.50 | £8.00 |
| Not for profit groups session rate* | £34.00 | £20.00 |
| Not for profit groups hourly rate | £11.50 | £6.70 |
* Sessions being a minimum of three hours. Sessions extending beyond this three hour period are charged hourly.
Other charges
| Out of hours unlocking charge: (Please note if both unlocking and locking charges apply the charge is £30) |
£15 | Please note the ‘Out of hours charge’ is charged to weekday bookings before 9:00am and after 17:00pm and ALL Weekend bookings. |
| Out of hours locking charge: (Please note if both unlocking and locking charges apply the charge is £30) |
£15 | |
| Equipment storage | £5 per week |
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