The current Town Hall was constructed between 1874 and 1876 to replace the old Guildhall.
The architect Francis Hames won the design competition for the building when he was only 26 years old.
The central fountain in the square was added in the 19th century to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee.
The square is built on the site of what was once known as the 'Horsefair,' which served as the city's primary livestock market until the 1870s.
The building features distinct 'streaky bacon' style architecture, utilizing layers of red and cream brickwork typical of the period.
The site originally housed a police station and an emergency fire service station in the rear wings of the building.
Town Hall Square in Leicester serves as the city's primary civic focal point, dominated by the Victorian Gothic Town Hall building designed by Francis Hames. The square features a central ornamental fountain and serves as a formal public space connecting the local administrative center with the retail district. It is a site of historic local governance, having been built in the 1870s on the site of the former cattle market. The architecture is characterized by its prominent clock tower and polychromatic brickwork. The square frequently hosts public commemorations, civic ceremonies, and local seasonal markets. It functions as a transit-free pedestrianized oasis amidst the dense Leicester city center street layout.
Position yourself near the central fountain to capture the full symmetrical facade of the Town Hall clock tower.
Visit during the afternoon to observe the contrast between the historic architecture and the surrounding modern city activity.
Take note of the detailed Victorian masonry on the building facade, which is often overlooked by busy commuters.
Combine a visit to the square with a walk to the nearby Leicester Guildhall, which is only a short distance away.
Do not assume the building is fully accessible to the public as a museum; it remains a functional administrative center for the city council.
