County Hall

County Hall is a classical building of the 18th century, demonstrating group value. It is a symmetrical tripartite composition, featuring a tall central block flanked by lower, advanced wings. The front elevation is constructed of ashlar stone laid upon a plinth of coursed rubble. The steeply pitched slate roofs have deep eaves supported by modillions, which rise to form pediments at each gable end.

The central courtroom block consists of three bays with pilasters featuring Tuscan capitals; the outer pilasters project beyond the corners, although there is no entablature. It has three tall sash windows with 35 panes each, each with a depressed head and stone sills. The pediments of the advanced flanking bays intersect the outer pilasters of the central block, revealing broad, depressed arched openings. Original wrought iron gates with dogbars and spear finials provide access to porches. The porch on the left side has six and a half panel double doors, deep reveals and soffit, and a plain architrave. A similar six-panel door leads to the courtroom. The bay to the right has similar detailing to a single doorway offset to the left, with a further door at the right end and double doors leading to the courtroom.

The side elevations of the flanking wings are constructed of coursed rubble. Slightly advanced gabled bays are centrally positioned with pediments that mirror the front elevation. Stone stacks with moulded caps and water tabling rise above the pediments. Originally, the windows were 12-pane sashes, although the lower glazing bars have since been removed. The rear elevation is also of rubble construction, with pediments similar to the front, although the flanking wings project further. Small, square attic doors are located centrally within the pediments of the gables. The courtroom has three 25-pane sash windows with depressed heads and stone sills. A modern flat-roofed extension has been added to the ground floor. The left-hand wing is more advanced than the right. A large sash window, with a depressed head, 10-pane upper sash, and lower glazing bars removed, is offset to the right of the left-hand wing. The right-hand wing has a 12-pane sash window (with lower glazing bars removed) to the left, beneath a stone lintel, and a pair of smaller, later sashes to the right.

The interior of the main block contains the original courtroom furnishings. A shallow, flush-panelled magistrates' canopy, featuring a pediment on plain pilasters, is present. A central round table with curving flush-panelled fronts is complemented by box pews, a press box, a witness stand, and railings with turned balusters to the dock. Low, flush-panelled partitions separate the courtroom from the public enclosure, which contains a ramped floor and wooden benches. Symmetrical ranges of doors are framed by plain architraves with flat hoods above six-panel doors. A box-like cornice is visible, alongside a modern ceiling. Panelled doors lead to corridors within the flanking wings. Two former cells are located at the front of the right-hand wing, featuring thick doors on strap and pintle hinges with viewing ports. An original chimneypiece is found in the Judges' withdrawing room at the rear of the left-hand wing.