The Old Court House, building in Ruthin, Wales
The Old Court House is a historic building in Ruthin, Wales, constructed as the courthouse of the Lordship of Dyffryn Clwyd. It is built predominantly of timber and features an open hall design, with basement cells still visible beneath the structure that once held prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing.
The building was constructed in 1421 following Owain Glyndwr's revolt to replace destroyed structures in the town. It served as the courthouse until 1663 when a new Shire Hall was built, after which it was repurposed as a shop and trading space before being restored by the National Provincial Bank in 1926.
The building served as the seat of local justice for centuries and remains central to how residents understand their town's past. Visitors come to sense the connection between the old walls where law was administered and the community life that continues around it today.
The building sits on St Peter's Square in the heart of Ruthin and is easily reached on foot from the town center. Today it houses an information point and a history room where visitors can learn more about the town's past while exploring the preserved architectural features.
A remnant of the gallows still hangs at the northwest corner of the roof, a visible reminder of executions carried out there. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds like footsteps and wailing, which locals connect to stories of those who faced justice within these walls.
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