Capel Hanbury-Leigh presented the Town Hall to Pontypool in 1856 to commemorate the birth of his son and heir - as can be seen by the inscription along the front of the building. The architects Bidlake and Lovett of Wolverhampton designed the building after winning a competition, and it was built by William Prosser of Abergavenny.
In the background is St James Church that dates back to 1821, when it was built for the English speaking congregation. It was designed by Watkin George.