Shire Hall, Dorchester

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.

Location: West Dorset

Location: Dorchester

Inception: 1797

Architects: Thomas Hardwick

GPS coordinates: 50.71540,-2.43903

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45