Please click the Play button to listen to a brief audio clip about the history of the Moot Hall.
A Transcript is also available further down the page.
Photos taken by WittWoo Photography 2022
Historical Images
Photos provided by Appleby-in-Westmorland Society
Audio Transcript
Hello, and welcome to the Moot Hall in Appleby-in-Westmorland! The southern half of the building was constructed in 1596 as a Council Chamber, and is still in use as such. It is one of very few left in England. The northern half of the building was added approximately 200 years ago, and contains the Town Council’s Offices and our wonderful Tourist Information Centre. The date stone at the south end that shows 1179 refers to the first Royal Charter granted to the town by King Henry II. The first Mayor of the Town was appointed by King Henry III in 1265. With support from Historic England and Eden District Council, the building underwent a major refurbishment in 2021.
It is open to the public from time to time and available to book for group tours if required.
About the Speaker: Stan Rooke
Stan Rooke has been a Councillor at Appleby Town Council for many years, and is passionate about the Moot Hall and Appleby. You will often see him in the Tourist Information Centre where he volunteers and is a fountain of local knowledge!