This building was the Royal Exchange in the 18C until it was bought by the town council in 1851 following the economic decline caused by the Act of Union (1800). The domed rotunda in the entrance hall is decorated with frescoes (1914-1919) by James Ward, illustrating the history of the city and a coffered ceiling (18C) by Charles Thorp, who also created the splendid stuccowork above the doors and on the ceiling of the east staircase.