Constructed between 1867 and 1870, Perth’s Town Hall is the only such structure in Australia built by convicts. During the early to mid-nineteenth century, as the population of Perth was growing, the need for skilled craftsmen to aid in construction became evident. By 1866, Western Australia’s (WA’s) Governor, J.S. Hampton had devised a public works program which included the construction of Government House, the Pensioners Barracks, and a Town Hall. Since not enough skilled craftsmen were choosing to immigrate to WA, Perth petitioned Britain to send convicts who had the needed talents (e.g. carpenters, masons, etc.). The building’s design has been described as “Victorian Free Gothic style with strong medieval overtones” - the only such design in Australia. This plan resembled much of the 14th - 16th century village public buildings throughout Europe, which included a watch tower and a market place beneath a hall. The building itself was constructed on the highest point in the center of town, near the spot where Helen Dance chopped down a tree in 1829 to formally commemorate the founding of the city. A number of convict motifs were incorporated into the building, including windows in the shape of a broad arrow ( the broad arrow design was part of the convicts’ uniform), as well as decorations in the shape of a hangman’s noose. Up until 1924, the ground floor of Town Hall housed markets, insurance brokers, and the fire bridgade. Today, the building not only serves as the city’s main civic center, it is also a popular venue for public forums, banquets, and weddings.
Hanging in the ground floor lobby of the Town Hall is the HMAS Perth’s ship’s bell. Originally commissioned as the HMS Amphion, this light cruiser was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1939. During the Battle of Sundra Strait in February 1942, the Perth was sunk by the Japanese Navy. The bell was recovered during a 2013 dive expedition and given to the city of Perth.
Originally used as the City Council Chamber, this room was latter converted into a Supper Room.