When the original Cowbridge prison, erected after the Houses of Parliament granted permission in 1576, was in need of repair a new House of Correction was built on the same site by the East Gate in 1806. This prison was only in use until 1829 when new facilities were built in Swansea. By this time the medieval Guild Hall situated in the centre of the High Street was restricting transport through this busy market town so it was decided to demolish it and the Burgesses purchased, by public subscription, the House of Correction to use as the Town Hall in 1830.