Downham Market..The Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse, 27 London Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9AW
The Courthouse was designed by Charles Reeves who did the plans of 64 Courthouses and 44 Police Stations across the county It was built in 1849 and a fine Lion & Unicorn sits proudly above the front entrance of this Grade II listed building....but the access is through the pedestrian gate to the side courtyard.
The Courthouse, attached at the rear to the Police House, originally served as a County Court and later a Magistrates Court. It heard its last case in 1992, after which it was shuttered and fell into disrepair - eventually ending up on the Buildings at Risk list. Both buildings were purchased in 1998 and converted into a private residence.
The Waiting corridor and Main courtroom, 43 ft x 27 ft with 22ft high ceiling and large arch windows, will be open. Much of the original panelling has been re-used in the Courtroom to form a new balcony with the two cantilevered Witness boxes. The journalist box has been retained and on the drop-down desk tops are numerous EDP and Lynn journalist names and scribbles....if you look carefully you will see 'I was not born here but I may die here"
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
The Old Courthouse, 27 London Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9AW
- Directions:
- Access from London Road, through the pedestrian gate into front courtyard entrance
- Contact on day:
- Christine Austin
- Telephone number:
- +441366384428
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There are steps to enter and exit and the main courtroom is on 3 different levels. Care must be taken
Additional information
There will be a photographic display of work carried out on the building during its restoration in 1998.
