Shire Hall, Dorchester, Grade I listed courthouse in Dorchester, England
The Shire Hall building features four grand columns at its entrance, leading to multiple courtrooms and underground holding cells for defendants.
Between 1796 and 1797, architect Thomas Hardwick constructed this courthouse, which replaced an earlier judicial building from the 1630s.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs trial of 1834 at Shire Hall led to national protests and demonstrations that changed British labor movement history.
The courthouse museum operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering guided tours through cells, courtrooms, and historical exhibition spaces.
English novelist Thomas Hardy served as a magistrate in this courthouse for 35 years, incorporating his experiences into his literary works.
Location: West Dorset
Location: Dorchester
Inception: 1797
Architects: Thomas Hardwick
GPS coordinates: 50.71540,-2.43903
Latest update: April 7, 2025 01:25
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