Debate over whether council talks should move out of Much Wenlock Guildhall?
It was built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and perhaps the most surprising thing is that it is still serving its original purpose under Queen Elizabeth II.
The Much Wenlock Council chamber was built in 1577 as an extension of the town's civil courtroom, which was constructed in 1540.
The two chambers on the upper floor of the Guildhall became the judicial and administrative centre for the 70 square miles that had once been ruled by the Priory of Wenlock.
Council meetings are still held in the chambers – and while the sense of history is impressive, not everyone thinks this is necessarily a good idea.
Today a debate is under way as to whether, after almost 500 years, the time has come to opt for a location just a little more modern.
Shropshire writer Tish Farrell suggests that the meetings may be better served held elsewhere.
She said: "Anyone sitting through a council meeting may well be left with distinctly unfavourable impressions of the past.
"The seating is a torture on both knees and nether regions – I guess it was designed to keep everyone awake.
"The question is, does the antiquated setting of the council chamber affect the quality of the thinking that goes on there, and likewise the kind of decisions arrived at."
Writing in her online blog, Tish also questions the costs involved in maintaining such an old building and their suitability in these more inclusive times.
She continued: "This is perhaps a good example of the past becoming a public burden.
"Our town councillors currently have some pretty big headaches to wrestle with, one of them being the continued upkeep of the Guildhall, including the roof over the chamber.
"It is an amazing relic, full of history, but no longer functional in modern terms. There is no access for anyone with disabilities, or for the elderly who simply might have difficulty mounting the handrail-less stairs.
"This situation immediately excludes quite a segment of the town from the democratic process – the uncomfortable seats probably do for the rest.
"But it is a building that probably no-one in Wenlock would want to be without, it gives the town its identity, so maybe it is only right that its citizens continue to support it."
Much Wenlock ward councillor David Turner said that Tish Farrell made some good points, but that the council chambers add something unique to the town.
Councillor Turner explained: "We are very lucky to have such a fantastic and historically significant building to use, despite the maintenance of it being a public burden.
"The building is more than a backdrop to tourist photos and is not just for council meetings – it's used for exhibitions and also available for people wanting to hold receptions and other events.
"Access is, of course, a concern in this day and age, but a solution to that, such as the installation of a lift, would be hideously expensive."
Councillor Turner suggested: "Perhaps we need to consider holding meetings at an alternate venue when we know there will be several elderly or disabled people attending.
But while he can see the problems inherent in using and maintaining the building, Councillor Turner believes the benefits still outweigh the negatives.
He added: "I don't think we should stop holding the council meetings there; the weight of history carried by the rooms adds gravity to the meeting before a word is spoken."
