1798 Prison Holding Cell Newtownards Town Hall

I am very grateful to Leeanne for giving me access to this unchanged 1798 prison holding cell at Newtownards Town Hall. This is living history before your eyes.
Newtownards Market House later Town Hall
1760
A major rebuilding programme to create a more classical grid pattern to Newtownards is begun by Alexander Stewart, landlord of the town.
Acclaimed Bristol architect, Fernando Stratford, prepares designs for a new Market house to be located in the centre of Newtownards.
1766
Architect Stratford dies. However his designs are followed through.
1767
Work begins on the Market House; designs include a holding cell for prisoners.
1771
The new Market House stands complete.
1778
A tower and cupola are added to the building.
1798
Rebels attack the building on the 10 June 1798, during the 1798 Rebellion. They were met with musket fire from the Market House and were defeated.
1897
The Market house became a Town Hall when it was presented to the Town Commissioners as a gift from Lord Londonderry in September 1897 with a lease of 999 years. The rent was an ear of corn per year (known as a pepper corn rent) on the condition that Lord Londonderry could have use of the building at 24 hours notice.
1903
The open arches on the ground floor are closed in and filled with Georgian paned windows to coincide with the visit of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria to Mount Stewart.