College of Arms

The College of Arms, built between 1670 and 1677, is a Grade I listed building that has undergone significant alterations. It is a courtyard building that has been affected by the construction of Queen Victoria Street. The structure consists of three storeys, a basement, and dormers, featuring patched red brick and a later parapet on a tiled roof. Each wing is adorned with an order of Ionic pilasters, and there is a blocked entrance on the west side. A 19th-century staircase, terrace, and porch lead to the courtroom at the rear. In 1956, iron gates and a screen were added, which are out of scale with the building. The west return is plain, while the east return is irregular, featuring a polygonal record room in yellow brick, built in 1844, possibly by R. Abraham. The courtroom in the north range extends through two storeys and includes a gallery to the east and panelling below this level. Notable features include finely carved decoration on the throne against the north wall, a doorcase to the west, and a railing around the throne enclosure with turned balusters. The ceiling is simply moulded and may be modern. The library or public office to the east of the hall retains original panelling, a carved doorcase, a chimney-piece, and cupboards in the north wall. There is a staircase with twisted balusters in the west range and another with turned balusters east of the public office. The record room features a gallery with an iron rail and a decorated ceiling.