History

The
building replaced an earlier
Tolbooth or 'Towbood', first mentioned in 1480. After repairs were
carried out in both the 16th & 17th Centuries, the Town House
developed into the familiar arrangement of courtroom and jail cells
on the ground floor, with the upper floor used by the council and
bailies.
The Town House was completely rebuilt by public subscription
in 1789 - 90. It remained at the centre of burgh life with the courtroom
and debtors prison as previously laid out, and an elegantly proportioned
upper chamber boasting a fine 'Serlio' or Venetian window, overlooking
the Cross.
The galleried room was called the Guild Hall of Brechin
and was used primarily as a council chamber, but was also a venue
for exhibitions and a reading room.
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