Shire Hall, Dorchester, Grade I listed courthouse in Dorchester, England
Shire Hall, Dorchester is a courthouse building distinguished by four prominent columns at its front entrance, housing multiple courtrooms and basement cells where defendants were held. Today it functions partly as a museum, allowing visitors to explore these judicial spaces and their original purposes.
Architect Thomas Hardwick designed and built this courthouse between 1796 and 1797, replacing an earlier judicial building that had stood since the 1630s. The structure has endured for over two centuries and remains a key landmark in Dorchester's past.
This building hosted the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, an event that sparked national outrage and transformed how people viewed workers' rights. You can stand in the courtrooms where this pivotal case was heard.
Access is through the grand columned entrance where you can begin exploring the various rooms and levels. The basement cells require climbing down stairs, but the passages are easy to navigate and accessible to most visitors.
Renowned English writer Thomas Hardy spent 35 years serving as a magistrate in this courthouse, drawing inspiration from what he witnessed within its walls. The legal cases and people he encountered directly shaped characters and stories in his famous novels.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Durnovaria
214 m
Dorset County Museum
131 m
The Keep Military Museum
330 m
Kings Arms Hotel
222 m
Roman Town House, Dorchester
262 m
County Hall, Dorchester
173 m
St Peter's Church
147 m
Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity
80 m
All Saints Church, Dorchester
243 m
Statue of Thomas Hardy
179 m
Dorset Museum
112 m
Municipal Buildings
182 m
Christ Church, Dorchester
278 m
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
64 m
Junction Hotel
414 m
Plaza Cinema
197 m
Monument To William Barnes In Churchyard Immediately South Of West Tower
137 m
The Old Ship Public House
36 m
The Royal Oak
30 m
Dorset County Museum
124 m
Clock Tower In Public Gardens
374 m
Top O Town House
233 m
6, High West Street
108 m
Napper's Mite
297 m
Roman Wall
187 m
Bandstand In Public Gardens Twelve Park Benches Surounding The Bandstand
330 m
Dorchester Town Pump
164 m
10, South Street
243 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes