Manchester Assize Courts, Victorian courthouse in Strangeways, Manchester, England
Manchester Assize Courts was a courthouse with Venetian Gothic architecture featuring a tall tower. The building contained two large courtrooms with detailed stone decorations covering its exterior walls.
An architect won a major competition in 1858 and designed this building, which opened in 1864 for criminal trials. German bombing during World War II destroyed most of the structure.
The statues on the building show figures from English legal history and were created by a noted sculptor. They reflect how the Victorians valued the importance of justice in their society.
The building is no longer an active courthouse, so access depends on current visitor rules and opening hours. It is best to check ahead about visiting conditions before heading there.
The building was connected to the neighboring prison through an underground tunnel used to transport defendants securely. This hidden link made court proceedings much more efficient and secure.
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