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The Municipal Buildings, Church Square. An imposing red brick building in the 'Queen Anne Style' by R. Knill Freeman, FRIBA, of Manchester, built by Joseph Howe of West Hartlepool. The building stands on what was known as the 'large quarry' from whence some of the limestone for Christ Church was obtained. The foundation stone was laid with full Masonic ceremonies by Lt. Colonel Cameron on 17th August 1887, and the building was officially opened with great pomp on 1st May 1889 by H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor, who was the first member of the Royal family to visit and perform an official ceremony in the town of West Hartlepool. The building was able to accomodate, for the first time, all the offices and departments of the Council along with the council chamber and mayoral office.