"Buildings at Risk" register includes The Guildhall, Helston

Also included on the list is the Quaker Meeting House at Feock.

Built nearly 200 years ago, this historic building has served as a community hub on a site that has housed a communal building for over 500 years, likely even longer.

The Guildhall 2023, Image courtesy of Discover Helston (Image: Discover Helston) It's best known as the start point of Helston's historic Flora Dance.

Unfortunately, the Guildhall was constructed with design and structural issues that have required ongoing attention over the years to mitigate damage as much as possible.

Despite these efforts, the building has now reached a point where a major project needs to be undertaken to safeguard it, future-proof it for generations to come, and make it fit for the modern, thriving community that Helston has become.

The Guildhall 2023, Image courtesy of Discover Helston (Image: Discover Helston)

Helston Town Council says The Guildhall's inclusion on the risk register highlights its importance, both historically and as a community site.

"It has long been a gathering place for the people of Helston, serving variously as a corn market, a fish market, a court, a fire station, and now as the starting venue for our much-loved Flora Day dances," the council said in a post on Facebook.

Late 19th century photograph looking West down Coinagehall St. (Image: Helston TC)

Our vision is to restore this building to its full potential, bringing it back into the heart of the community.

"We want it to be a place where people can celebrate, work, meet, and learn together. Improving accessibility will also be a priority in the restoration.

"We have applied for funding from several sources, but our initial applications were declined last year. The Guildhall’s placement on the risk register will help highlight to potential funders how vital this project is.

The earlier Helston Market House, on the site of the current Guildhall Undated, artist unknown. (Courtesy of the Museum of Cornish Life) perhaps a depiction of 1793 alterations? (Image: Museum of Cornish Life)

"However, it would be unfair to ask Helston residents to raise these funds through increased local council tax. Securing external funding is essential for us to undertake this once-in-a-lifetime project and to protect a vital piece of Helston's heritage."

Please find some images attached.

Fig 1: Fig 2: The earlier Helston Market House, on the site of the current Guildhall Undated, artist unknown. (Courtesy of the Museum of Cornish Life) perhaps a depiction of 1793 alterations?

Fig 2: Fig 7A:

Fig 3: The Guildhall 2023, Image courtesy of Discover Helston Fig 4: The Guildhall 2023, Image courtesy of Discover Helston