The Law School and University Offices

The Law School and University Offices comprises a complex of buildings spanning several centuries, beginning in the 15th century and with significant additions through the 18th and 19th. The core of the complex incorporates the Old Court of King’s College, acquired by the University.

The East Range, dated 1754-8, was designed by Stephen Wright and is constructed in Portland stone ashlar. It is two storeys high with seven bays, the central five projecting. The ground floor features an open loggia with rusticated, round-headed arches, while the upper floor has a central Venetian window flanked by square-headed windows. The interior retains the original staircase with a scrolled wrought-iron balustrade. The main upper room, known as the East Room, displays elaborate carved wood and plasterwork decoration.

A North Range, dating to the late 14th century, is constructed of rubble with freestone dressings. Its outer face is now obscured by a later building. Inside, the former Regent House, now a combination room, is on the first floor. It features an enriched plaster ceiling dating to around 1600, set into a roof from around 1400. The room has undergone considerable alterations.

The West Range is attributed to circa 1435-55, and has been largely altered in the 18th century. Most of the windows are from the 18th century, though two are from the 15th century. A Syndicate Room is located on the upper floor.

The South Range was constructed between 1457 and circa 1470, with a third storey added in 1864-7. The North front is red brick with stone dressings, while the South front has been refaced in ashlar and buttressed in the 19th century. Seven 15th-century windows are on the first floor; the remainder are from the 18th century or modern. The Council Room on the first floor preserves a roof from 1466, a carved ceiling, and two 18th-century doorways.

A North-West angle building dates to 1718-19 and is two storeys high, though a modern third floor has been added. The Dome Room on the first floor features panelling from 1719-20 and a flat, modelled plaster ceiling.

West Court incorporates the Old Court of King’s College, which was partially demolished in 1829. The West range was completed and partially rebuilt in 1864-7 (designs by G G Scott) and 1890. The South range was completed in 1864-7 by G G Scott. The Old Gatehouse has undergone extensive restoration by J L Pearson and in modern times and is constructed of ashlar-faced rubble.