The Assembly Room History

Marlow’s historic Market House was conceived by Thomas Williams (The Copper King) in 1790’s and completed in 1807. The purpose was both to replace the old timber built market house, with something more substantial in which to revive the Saturday Market, but also as a meeting place to hold political meetings (which would further his ambition to dominate local politics). Unfortunately, this didn’t work out as he died before the building was complete and it was finished by his son Owen.

The market as planned occupied the ground floor, and the elegant room above became the much needed Assembly Room and was rented out for local events, receptions and balls as well as being used for meetings of the Justices and The Town Council. It is this attractive room with large large windows looking down the street and an internal balcony which like the weather vane on top of the building features a chough (or crow), which was the Williams family crest.

The Town clock which is mounted in a simple wooden cupola on top of the building, was presented to the Town by Pascoe Grenfell, a partner of Owen Williams and fellow MP for Marlow 1807 – 1820.

Meanwhile the revived market did not thrive and lapsed in the 1830’s. The building was then used as the town lock-up, complete with stocks which were only removed in 1876. Later, the building housed the town fire engine. Eventually adjoining Crown Hotel took over the Assembly Room which became a ballroom, although public meetings and entertainments continued to be held there until the 1960s.

In 1880, The Market House and the Crown were attacked by rioters, protesting against the election of Thomas Price Williams, who had used the building as his Conservative Party Headquarters.

The in 1886 the whole building became an extension of the Hotel and the stately staircase was installed. It remained a hotel until well after the 2nd World War, although the original part was converted into shops. The Assembly Room retains that stately charm which makes it an ideal setting for an elegant restaurant.

We would like to thanks The Marlow Society for providing this information.

 The Assembly Room as it was in 1927