Shire Hall

Shire Hall is a building of 1816, originally designed by Sir Robert Smirke for the County Magistrates, with substantial extensions added in 1909-11 by MH Medland for Gloucestershire County Council. The building was largely demolished and rebuilt with major additions between 1960 and 1970, although the original portico and the flanking wings were retained. The building is constructed of ashlar with a composite roof.

The symmetrical facade consists of a giant Ionic portico set between slightly projecting wings. The portico is approached by two shallow flights of stone steps in a forecourt, flanked by later wings. Above the portico is a recessed entablature between parapets with moulded copings above the single-bay wings. Each wing features a central doorway on the ground floor and a sash window on the first floor. The later projecting wings are three storeys high with a basement, and exhibit canted angles at the outer corners. They have plain ashlar plinths, raised bands at ground-floor sill level and above, and a crowning entablature with a balustraded parapet. All the windows are sash windows with glazing bars, and bronze sconces are positioned on either side of the portico.

The interior was largely rebuilt between 1960 and 1970. The former Assize Courts, originally part of Shire Hall, are now listed separately as Crown Courts on Bearland.