Listed Building: THE SHIRE HALL (104381)

HIGH WEST STREET 1. 5191 (North Side) The Shire Hall SY 6990 7/79 8.5.50. I GV 2. 1797 (rainwater head). Architect Thomas Hardwick. Portland ashlar. 2 storeys 7 window. Divided into 3 bays, the centre (3 windows) breaking forward and having rusticated ground floor with 3 round-arched openings with imposts and keystones. Each opening has rusticated reveals, double doors, transome and fanlight. Sash windows above, cornice and pediment. Side bays are 2 windows with round-headed windows to ground floor. Parapets. Cornice and string course continuous across facade. At east end of front is the mileage to Hyde Park Corner, Blandford and Bridport inscribed in contemporary incised lettering. A tablet states that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were sentenced here in 1834. Side elevation is red brick. Moulded modillion eaves cornice. 6 sashes with glazing bars. Rainwater head with "1797". Interior retains the court-room virtually as it was when the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried here. Contemporary wooden dock, bench, jury and witness boxes, and public galleries. Nos 48 to 65A (consec)including the Shire Hall, Holy Trinity Church, the Museum, St. Peter's Church and monument to William Barnes in churchyard immediately south of West Tower form a group. Listing NGR: SY6910190736

Record last edited

Apr 18 2019 12:24PM