Sessions House

The Sessions House, located on George Row, was built between 1676 and 1678 and is one of the first structures erected after the town fire of 1675. It is attributed to Henry Bell of Kings Lynn and Sir Roger Norwich, who was responsible for the design. The building features a symmetrical front with a Corinthian order, showcasing three central windows positioned between pilasters beneath a balustrade adorned with swags that enclose a central shield. There are semi-circular headed doorways at either end, flanked by coupled half columns under segmental pediments. The hipped roof, originally covered with Welsh slate, once included a cupola and oval dormers beneath pediments. The west side elevation displays a round-headed doorway flanked by coupled pilasters under a pediment, which is also decorated with swags and a cartouche in the tympanum. The building has a tall plinth and is a single storey. Inside, there are very fine plaster ceilings created between 1684 and 1688 by Edward Goudge. The Sessions House, along with the Judge's Lodgings, County Hall, County Council Offices, and Nos 8, 8A, 9, and 9A, form a group of significant buildings.