Shire Hall, Grade I listed courthouse in Monmouth, Wales
Description
Shire Hall is a courthouse built from Bath stone in 1724 featuring Baroque architectural details and a pediment clock added in 1765. The building now houses the Tourist Information Centre and Monmouth Town Council offices alongside the preserved courtroom.
History
The building was constructed in 1724 and gained national importance in 1839 through the trial of Chartist leader John Frost and other defendants. This case marked a significant moment in British legal history and established the courthouse as the venue for major political trials.
Culture
The main courtroom displays its original 1840s furnishings, allowing visitors to sit in the judge's chair and experience how justice was conducted in that era. The room's layout shows the physical relationships between judge, jury, and accused that shaped legal proceedings.
Practical
The building is open to the public as it houses the Tourist Information Centre and council offices across multiple days each week. Its location on Agincourt Square makes it easy to reach, and access to different levels allows exploration of the interior layout and original features.
Did you know?
The building underwent major restoration in 2010 that balanced modern amenities with preservation of historical elements and features. Original holding cells remain beneath the courtroom, providing evidence of how the building once functioned as a complete judicial facility.
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