Shire Hall

The work of renowned architect Thomas Harrison, the Shire Hall was built in Mock Gothic style - so popular at the time of the 18th Century - and finished by Joseph Gandy to present the impressive space we see today.

The Shire Hall is a splendid ten-sided room, within whose walls a semi-circle of Gothic pillars carry not merely the arches which support the timber ceiling over the main part of the court room but also the arches of the plaster vault over the surrounding aisle. This is a most ingenious and beautiful design, giving easy public access to the court room while allowing the business of the court to proceed in suitably dignified surroundings. A shortage of money caused a delay in the furnishing and interior decoration of the Crown Court and Shire Hall, and it was not until 1802 that Joseph Gandy provided the designs for the window tracery, the seating and the elaborately detailed canopy over the judge's bench.