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There has been a town house in Stockton for over six hundred years. Hatfield's Survey, written in 1382, mentions a 'mayor's house' which was used for the collection of tolls, fines and market fees.
By the early 17th century, the house had accommodation for guests, although in 1635 it was called a `mean thatched cottage' by Charles I's master shipwright. Somebody must have taken the hint, because by the late 1600s there was a purpose built toll booth which also housed the mayor. It also had a prison cell, which was used (amongst other things) to house criminals awaiting transportation from the port of Stockton. This town house was probably built of stone taken from Stockton castle, which was demolished on the orders of Oliver Cromwell.
In 1735 the town house was completely rebuilt on a square pattern, and this is the basis of the house we can see today. The house was extended in 1744, when the clock tower and bell, a second chimney stack and an inn and four shops were added. The shops were on the south side, facing the Shambles. The north side of the house had a balcony, from which pronouncements could be made, but unfortunately this was sacrificed during the war.
The first floor of the town house has been used for many important ceremonies and public functions through the years. On the 27th September 1825 a banquet for 100 people was held there to celebrate the first journey of Locomotion No. 1 from Darlington to Stockton. The first floor is now used as a council chamber.
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