A local mason gave Newburgh an emphatic civic landmark whose tower, belfry and rear corn exchange now serve an arts complex.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1808; former corn exchange added 1830; later Victorian steps and railings
- Architect / designer
- John Speed of Newburgh
- Type
- Classical town house, belfry and former corn exchange
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB38506)
- OS grid reference
- NO 23527 18283
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
An ashlar-fronted two-storey block is centred on a projecting tower. An arched tripartite entrance, Venetian window, octagonal belfry, crenellated parapet and spire build a strong vertical accent above the High Street.
Its story
The burgh commissioned John Speed in 1808, though surviving council minutes show that economy altered his approved design. A low corn-exchange range was added at the rear in 1830, and the complex was adapted for artists in 2008.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises an unusually complete small-burgh civic building whose fabric records government, market activity and successful cultural reuse.
What to notice
- The tower rising through four distinct stages.
- Venetian window above the arched entrance.
- Change in scale between the civic front and rear corn exchange.
Reading the surroundings
View freely from the public pavement. Interior access depends on studio, exhibition or event arrangements; do not enter working studios without invitation and keep the stepped entrance clear.
Timeline
- 1808 Council minutes recorded approval, economy revisions and payment questions for John Speed’s scheme.
- 1830 A corn exchange extended the civic complex behind the High Street front.
- 2008 Wasps completed conversion of the group for studios and cultural activity.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Current events and public room access vary; the listing description does not document every later internal alteration.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Newburgh Town House, LB38506 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB38506 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Wasps Studios: studio locations — Current listing of The Steeple at Newburgh within the Wasps studio estate.
Location
OS grid reference NO 23527 18283 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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