The Moot Hall is one of the most historic buildings in Maldon. Since the 16th century, it has had a central role in the life of the town as the town hall. It is also important architecturally as one of the earliest brick buildings in Essex or indeed England, with an important place in the story of the revival of the practice of building in brick which occurred in the 15th century. Current opinion is that it was constructed by Robert Darcy in the 1420s, which would make it the earliest surviving 15th-century brick building in the county. Later alterations have left the Moot Hall with virtually no original architectural features apart from its magnificent spiral staircase to help with the problem of its date. Brick or stone towers are not a common feature of late medieval towns, and the building has few known parallels, the best being the Hussey tower on the outskirts of Boston, probably built 1450-60. Like the Hussey Tower, the Moot Hall did not stand in isolation but was part of a larger complex of buildings which comprised the mansion of the Darcy family who were lords of one of the two manors of Maldon. The layout of these buildings has been the subject of much speculation. Petchey.

Refurbishment and remodelling of the Moot Hall in 1810, saw the construction of a courtroom on the first floor. Throughout the nineteenth and most of the twentieth centuries, the court was witness to many of the more infamous goings on in Maldon life. Out of use for the past few decades, the courtoom will be brought back to life with our production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. Audiences will be able to enjoy Gilbert’s marvellously witty lyrics (drawn from his own experiences at the Bar) in a real courtroom, whilst simultaneously marvelling at recent discoveries, such as the rare fifteenth century trefoil arches in the wall.
The Moot Hall court room

Please note that, due to limited space, the audience will be standing for the 35/40 minutes of the show. However, there will be some seating for those for whom this is problematic. Access to the courtroom is via a staircase. There is no lift.

Architectural information for this article is taken from David Andrew’s observations on the 2006 refurbishments of the Moot Hall. Essex County Council.

For more information about this venue visit the Friends of the Moot Hall Website