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The Shire Hall

The Shire Hall was originally built in 1815 as a new court complex for the county Quarter Sessions and Assizes, but it became the County Hall following the formation of Gloucestershire County Council in 1889 (after the Local Government Act 1888).  Designed by Robert Smirke (famous for designing the British Museum), the frontage consisted of a tall Ionic portico said to be inspired by the temple on the river Ilissus in Greece.  The building included a grand jury room, two courtrooms, the office of the clerk of the peace and a large public room which was used for concerts in the Three Choirs festival.