Town and Town Halls’ history brought to life

Published: 10 September 2025

A new exhibition 'From Vill to Town and Borough’, will be shared on Saturday 20 September showing Deal’s remarkable journey from tiny hamlet to the town it is today.

‘Vill’ is a medieval term for the smallest of authorities under the feudal system, when Deal comprised of just three manors.

Deal’s journey has seen growth, independence from Sandwich, being a Borough and the Town Hall reflects that history.

The exhibition has been created by Pat Smith (LHG. Dip. Gen) and outlines the story of the town and its two Town Halls.

Mayor of Deal, Cllr Mike Eddy said: “The Town Hall is a magnificent building and today is the setting for weddings, ceremonies and all sorts of extraordinary events - including council meetings.

“Our evolution as a town has been a very interesting one as society, industry and expectations change all around us.

“The Town Hall has been the solid heart of the town, changing with the times, adapting and it is still serving us now.”

'From Vill to Town and Borough’ is a free exhibition that will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 20 September in the Town Hall.

For more information please go to www.deal.gov.uk or call 01304 361999.