Crown Courts

Crown Courts is a neoclassical courthouse in Gloucester featuring an unusual nine-sided polygon frontage facing Bearland Street. Inside, two spacious semicircular courtrooms and a main corridor provide seating for approximately 400 spectators.

Designed by architect Sir Robert Smirke and opened in 1816, the building replaced earlier court facilities in the city. Its classical design set a new standard for judicial architecture in the region.

For generations, this has been the place where the city's important court cases unfold, and its large gallery spaces have long allowed residents to witness the justice system at work. The design with its semicircular courtrooms reflects the value placed on public judicial proceedings.

The courthouse sits on Longsmith Street and requires security screening upon entry for all visitors. Public access is available on weekdays, and video conferencing facilities are available for remote proceedings.

The building was constructed with ashlar stone and features a central portico with a rounded entrance flanked by small single-story porter lodges. These details give the otherwise restrained classical design a subtle handcrafted quality.

Location: Gloucester

GPS coordinates: 51.86608,-2.24906

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20