Old Library and Law Courts
Town Hall, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ
Colchester's first public library was designed by the Ipswich-based architect Brightwen Binyon (1846-1905) in a picturesque Neo-Jacobean style popular in the late 19th century. Inside the reading room there is a large bas-relief representing Queen Victoria opening the Great Exhibition in 1851 by the sculptor Gerolamo Oldofredi of Milan. This was commissioned and donated by James Paxman, the local engineer, who is depicted as a young man in the crowd.
Colchester's law courts were housed next to the Town Hall until 2012. There are two former magistrates' courts and cells for housing defendants.
The tour will be led by Charles Molle, a retired lawyer.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- Tours at 1300 & 1430
Location & directions
Town Hall, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ
- Directions:
- Meet in the entrance hall of the Town Hall (High Street entrance).
- Contact on day:
- Hall Keeper
- Telephone number:
- +441206506905
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Please note because of the nature of these historic buildings, the tour is not fully accessible.
Additional information
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s)
