Shire Hall

Shire Hall is an Assize Court constructed between 1837 and 1838 in Bodmin, designed by Henry Burt of Launceston. It is a building of group value which is considered to be unusually complete and elegant.

The building is constructed of granite ashlar with channelled rustication to the basement, plinth, mid-floor, and impost string. The side elevations are also ashlar, with granite quoins and a parapet string, while the rear is of rubble. It has a dry Delabole roof concealed behind a moulded parapet, which is broken by a central triangular pediment. Axial stacks are built of granite ashlar with moulded cornices. The overall plan is rectangular, with a central entrance hall leading to an imperial main staircase, and smaller stair halls on either side, with a pair of full-height courtrooms positioned behind.

The exterior is two stories high over a basement, featuring a symmetrical 2:3:2-bay front with the central bays projecting. The original hornless sash windows retain their glazing bars. Three central windows sit above three round-arched openings with stepped keyblocks. Original wrought-iron gates with cast-iron spearhead finials are present at the front, with a modern screen behind. The rear elevation mirrors the front with three windows on each side.

The interior is largely unaltered. Key features include a loggia with three round arches on granite piers and responds, all fitted with iron gates. The central arch leads to a wide, cantilevered granite staircase with a landing supported by granite corbel brackets. Two round-arched entrances lead to secondary staircases. Behind these smaller staircases are a pair of identical, full-height courtrooms with U-plan galleries at the front. The courtrooms retain original architectural features and fittings, including judges’ benches, jurors’ benches, and other benches set on four tiered granite steps. The principal benches are paneled and enclosed, while the rear benches are simpler in design. The courtrooms and front chamber are adorned with moulded plaster ceilings, and the courtrooms feature central roses with acanthus leaves. Two judges' dressing rooms are located adjacent to each courtroom, behind the central staircase. The basement is accessible by a central granite staircase. Two staircases formerly connected the cells to the courtrooms (now blocked), and it contains thirty small, cellular spaces with ventilated doors, a closet with a heated washing trough, and a cavity wall for ventilation.

The building served as the County Court until 1988 and is considered to be part of a group with the Judges' Lodgings and Shire House.