The magical world of Harry Potter has intrigued J.K. Rowling fans for more than two decades. With each new book that is published, devotees become even more entranced with its Wizardly World. We may never get to visit that spellbinding environment of sorcery in person, but if Harry Potter were ever to visit Rhode Island, there is certainly one place where he would feel perfectly at home.
Overlooking the center of town atop a hill sits Barrington's Town Hall. With its facade of stones and tall steeple, the historic building looks a lot like Hogwarts.
Barrington Town Hall was constructed in 1888. Although the offices and facilities housed inside have changed over the years, its imposing stone facade has remained the same.
The majestic building was designed by the Providence architectural firm of Stone, Carpenter, and Wilson. Many of the stones in the facade work were harvested from local farmers' fields. Back when it was built, the town hall cost just shy of $15,000 to construct.
In its early years, the incredible building housed the town's clerk, treasurer, tax collector, and council meeting rooms. It was also home to a high school classroom, auditorium, and a public library. On the lower level, the police department and its jail cell could be found.
Today the town hall houses mainly offices including the school administration, tax assessor, and town clerk. This high school was moved in 1917 and the library left the premises in the mid-1980s for a larger space.
The Barrington Town Hall is an impressive building that has stood the test of time. And if Harry Potter and his pals ever need to find a new home in Rhode Island, this would probably be it.
The town hall is located at 283 County Rd., Barrington, RI 02806.
Have you ever seen this beautiful building in person? What did you think? This isn’t the only jaw-dropping historical site in Rhode Island, check out this gorgeous park that combines nature with the Ocean State’s quarrying history.
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